Financial distress, natural disasters, death, illness, the list goes on of the tragedies that happen on a daily basis, yet, if we aren’t personally involved with these tragedies, does it really affect us? We sit comfortable in our cozy homes with our bellies filled and our priorities set. We plan for the future and try not to dwell on the pain that others are experiencing. Perhaps we say a prayer or watch the news with sympathy in our hearts. Sometimes, if we are directly affected we make changes. Perhaps we start praying fervently over fear of the unexpected, but as weeks and months pass so does our urgency to change. Why does it take so much for our heart to be softened, to change our actions before negative consequences ensue, or to have compassion on those dealing with tragedies enough to become involved?

My Precious Time

I hold my baby and watch my two toddlers, and I get lost in the moment. I just want to share in their joy and forget about everything else, to revel in the moment because it goes way too fast. It is so hard to forfeit even an ounce of time. But what if God is directing our heart to do so? What if there is a neighbor who has never had the opportunity to talk to someone about the life changing impact of Jesus? What if there is someone you call a friend is feeling lonely and beside themselves? What if someone is having trouble with feeding their children? What if, What if, What if?

More than Just Sympathy

We have to do more than feel sympathy for others; we have to step out of our comfort zones and share the love of Jesus with others, even if it is just for ten minutes a day, or one person outside our household a day or week.  Don’t neglect your family in the process, but learn how to show love to those around you with an open heart to the opportunities God is making available. Some of my favorite times are when I can include my children in those opportunities, for example making cards or baked goods for others. Learning to love others and giving up our most precious commodity… time… goes a long way in ministering to others and opens the doors to their hearts. The hopes is that they will see how valuable they are and how treasured they are in your sight and God’s.

More blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 20:35

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.

Mark 12:30-31

Photo Credit: by Splitshire