Necessary Training in Christianity: Embracing Compassion in Our Daily Lives (06/30/'24) -Message

Necessary Training in Christianity: Embracing Compassion in Our Daily Lives Good morning, dear friends, Today, I want to share a message that lies at the very heart of our Christian faith—a call to compassion, to caring for one another, and to living out the gospel in our daily lives. In the woven tapestry of sacred texts, we find clear instructions on how to treat those around us, especially those in need. Leviticus 25:35-36 tells us, "If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you." This passage is a powerful reminder that when someone among us is struggling, it is our duty to lift them up, to support them as we would a member of our own family. This is not just a suggestion but a command—a core tenet of our faith. Reflecting on the story of Sodom in Ezekiel 16:49, we see a stark warning: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy." The sin of Sodom was not just in their moral failings but in their indifference to the suffering of others. They had abundance and ease, yet they ignored those in need. This story serves as a mirror to our own lives, urging us to look beyond our comfort and recognize the responsibility we have towards the less fortunate. In the Gospel of Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus gives us a vivid picture of what it means to serve Him: "I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me." These words remind us that every act of kindness, every gesture of love, is a direct service to Christ Himself. When we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the imprisoned, we are embodying the very essence of the gospel. Our necessary training in Christianity is not found in lofty words or grand gestures but in the simple, profound acts of love we show to those around us. It is in these everyday moments of service that our faith truly comes to life. This is where the gospel breathes, where faith takes on flesh and dwells among us. Let us be the ones who hear these ancient whispers and heed their call. Let us be the ones who look upon the suffering and respond with open hearts. In lifting others, we lift ourselves; in loving others, we love Christ; and in serving the least, we serve the King. This is our training ground, our necessary journey. It is a path marked by humility, guided by mercy, and anchored in love. Let us walk it faithfully, ever mindful of the sacred duty to which we are called. May God bless you all as you go forth, living out this call to compassion in your daily lives. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 30, 2024)