Upliftment Through Compassion: Embodying the Teachings of Christ (04/16/'24) -Viewpoint

Upliftment Through Compassion: Embodying the Teachings of Christ In many systems and societal structures, progress is often achieved through competition. However, the teachings of Christ emphasize a different approach: He advocates for upliftment by helping others. This is captured in the biblical exhortation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near," as recorded in multiple gospels (Matthew 3:2, 4:17; Mark 1:15). The essence of this message encourages a turning away from self-centered pursuits towards a communal and spiritually-focused life. Moreover, the pursuit of originality in following Jesus Christ's example is deemed more commendable than merely imitating his actions successfully. This sentiment is reinforced by the priority Jesus places on reaching out to the marginalized or "lost sheep," rather than solely nurturing those who are already part of the faith community (Matthew 10:6). This approach is poignantly illustrated in the parable where Jesus questions the moral duty to seek out a single lost sheep, leaving the ninety-nine to ensure none is forsaken (Matthew 18:12). This ethos is particularly relevant today, as evidenced by a startling statistic: half of the homeless population consists of individuals who have been baptized as Christians. This suggests a profound disconnect between the professed beliefs of a community and the lived realities of its members, highlighting the need for a Christ-like focus on lifting up the downtrodden and extending compassion to all, especially the most vulnerable. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 16, 2024)