Commitment to Compassionate Outreach: Living the Teachings of Christ (04/16/'24) -Statement

Commitment to Compassionate Outreach: Living the Teachings of Christ In our contemporary society, where progress is often measured by competition, Christ's teachings provide a profound alternative: elevation through compassion. His call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" urges us to shift from self-centeredness to a life devoted to community and spirituality (Matthew 3:2, 4:17; Mark 1:15). Embracing the originality of Jesus Christ’s example is essential. It is better to fail in our efforts to authentically follow Him than to succeed merely by imitating His actions. Christ’s emphasis was always on reaching the marginalized—"the lost sheep" (Matthew 10:6)—rather than comforting the already converted. His parable of the shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find one lost sheep (Matthew 18:12) underscores the importance of individual care and outreach, which should be at the heart of our practice as followers of Christ. A startling reminder of our call to action is found in the statistic that half of the homeless population comprises baptized Christians. This stark reality calls us to live out our faith actively, showing true compassion and making a tangible difference in the lives of those who suffer. Let this statement serve as a commitment to realign our actions more closely with the teachings of Christ, ensuring that no one in our midst is overlooked or underserved. Through this dedication, we embody the true spirit of Christ’s message, reaching out to all, especially the most vulnerable among us. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 16, 2024)