Posted on October 24, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
When we see a situation that requires us to step out of our comfort zone, how often do we really step out? Most people have compassion when we see those in need for whatever reason it may be: car broken down on the side of the road, someone panhandling on the streets of New York City, or someone holding up the line at the grocery store because they may not have enough money to pay for all the things in their cart. The list can go on and on. But how often do we take that step to help? I can only speak for myself when I say, I’m a little apprehensive when some asks for money. I offer to buy them some food or pay for their gas, only to have them say they’ll get it themselves. RED FLAG WARNING! I won’t give them money, because most times, in my mind, they will use it for drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol. We watched a woman in Grand Central Station panhandle for money saying she needed to fed her children. The second someone gave her a dollar she went directly to a store and bought a lottery ticket! A few months ago, a man was outside our local wawa and asked for money for some food. I offered to buy him a sandwich and his eyes lit up and he accepted my offer. I bought him a breakfast sandwich, gave to him, and he was thrilled. So, why is so hard for me to just reach into my pocket and give someone a buck or two? Will it kill me? No. Will it put a financial burden on my wife and I? No. Then why do I have this attitude of ingratitude?
And be kind, and compassionate, to one another forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32
Yes, I would love to do more for those less fortunate, and maybe after writing this I will give it a try, but there will always be that cynical part of me that comes out.
When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a Shepard. Matthew 9:36
Many people in our world today are distressed for many different reasons: financial troubles, addictions, family, work or lack of work, medical hardships, etc. I love when I stop by to visit my Keswick family, and one of the men of the Colony asks if I have a minute to talk with them. I make myself available because I know just those few minutes will give them the sense that someone cares about their issues no matter how trivial it may be.
I pray that whoever reads this may take that extra moment to stop for someone that might just need a minute of your time, or a cup of coffee, or a sandwich. I’m not really good at all this compassion stuff. But I’d like to do better! Show me the way Lord!
But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you even a better way. 1 Corinthians 12: 31
Written by Robert Breault: Robert was blessed to work 8 years in the Keswick Raws kitchen and is now retired, well, almost. He’s a loving husband to Shirley, a wicked stepfather to Shirley’s three “Angels”/children, and a doting Pop-Pop to their two grandchildren, Charlotte and Max. But most important, he is a child of the one true King!
Think About This: “It’s time we relinquish the control we love so much. Talk to God. Listen to Him. It might not all make sense. Actually, a lot of it might not make sense, but that doesn’t matter. That’s living your faith. He knows best, and we should trust Him to guide us in the ways that He sees fit.” ― Marcus Hall
The Daily Bible Reading: John 6. You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
