Compassionate Christian Realism* (04/20/'24) -Viewpoint

Compassionate Christian Realism The crisis we face is fundamentally a transition: as the old order fades, the new has yet to emerge. In this interim, a multitude of troubling symptoms manifest. In these challenging times, we draw on our own experiences of receiving God's help to assist others with their troubles, as Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:4, 'We are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we have received from God.' The emotional depths of such transitions are echoed in the Gospel accounts, where Jesus expresses profound sorrow, inviting his disciples to stay and watch with him during his darkest hour, as described in Matthew 26:38, Mark 14:34, and John 12:27, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' This moment captures a universal truth: while physical death is inevitable for all, truly living—a life filled with meaning and engagement—is not guaranteed for everyone. Death itself is not to be feared; rather, it is the lack of life that should concern us. Jesus' teachings further emphasize this perspective, focusing on the importance of compassion over ritual, as he instructs in Matthew 9:12-13, Mark 2:17, and Luke 5:31-32, 'Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.' This reinforces the call to live fully by engaging deeply with the needs of others, particularly those who are struggling or marginalized. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 21, 2024)