On this day of mourning and disbelief I will not post about coffee or breakfast. I will devote each line to a response to the terror experienced in Orlando this past weekend. What I know for sure is this. One man chose to do evil. Evil which defies our laws and morals. In that, many suffered and many died. Many are mourning and need a shoulder to lean on.
There are many questions which include why, who else, where is God, what if, where next, what should we do, who is to blame, how do we stop it?
I won't even attempt to answer them except for one part of what should we do? It is clear as mud that the Christian church has the responsibility to act as Jesus would have. He responded to those in need. I have read the following passages over and over yesterday. I am thoroughly convinced that the greatest act of love is for the church to pray, donate blood, bring meals, mourn with those who hurt and assist wherever needed. The Christian church is the Earthy representative of God. In these passages I see two men. No where does it talk about the sexual preference of either, nor does it talk about the color of skin. It talks about one man helping his neighbor. When people see the church in action, they see God and His love. God is present everywhere, but most visible through the love of His church.
Luke 10:25-37New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
We don't have to agree on life choices but we can't turn our backs on those needing consolation or assistance. If we are able to donate blood to curb the shortage, then get in line. If we can send cash to a church who is reaching out and needs assistance with expenses we should help. We should be praying vigilantly for our nation.
God bless.
Marty
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