Generally speaking, when we’re young, healthy, capable, and socially involved, we can go where we want and do as we please. As the saying goes, ‘The world is our oyster!’ It seldom occurs to us that we’re surrounded by those who, because of age, disability, illness, or social and physical isolation, can no longer enjoy the same benefits we do. They depend on the compassion and care of others to meet their most basic daily needs. Sadly, our self-focused youth-oriented culture often ignores and marginalises such people: in essence, relegating them to the scrap heap of life. Their intrinsic worth is discounted, and their contribution to society largely forgotten. This is certainly not God’s way of doing things. Paul tells us to ‘bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ’. Note: it’s not a suggestion. It’s a law; a divine directive in which we’re all expected to participate. Against the backdrop of final judgement, His law of love is illustrated in Matthew 25:31-46. To the sheep he said, ‘I was hungry…thirsty…a stranger… naked…sick…in prison, and you met my need. Every act of compassion you do for anyone is recorded to your credit as having done it to me.’ To the goats he said, ‘I was hungry…thirsty…a stranger…naked…sick…in prison, and you ignored my needs. Every time you failed to show anyone compassion is recorded as your failure to care for my needs.’ The message is loud and clear: if you truly want to love and follow Jesus, you must intentionally show your love for others in practical ways. In other words – be there when you’re needed.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.