The Heart of Compassion (06/23/'24) -Passage

The Heart of Compassion (A Call to Compassion) We live in a world where many people resist welcoming and integrating wandering refugees. In a world teeming with abundance and progress, we are faced with an undeniable reality: many hearts are hardened against those who wander, seeking refuge. The refugee, a symbol of suffering and hope, stands at our borders and at the gates of our hearts, pleading for sanctuary. How often do we forget the teachings that call us to love our neighbors as ourselves? In the ancient scriptures, we are reminded time and again of the sacred duty to welcome the stranger, to offer shelter to the sojourner. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2). Yet, the walls of indifference rise high, built by fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice. These walls do not merely stand on the physical borders of nations but also within the confines of our hearts. It is easier, perhaps, to turn away, to ignore the plight of the wanderer, and to protect our own comfort and security. But what does it mean to truly follow the path of compassion? It means to see beyond the labels of "refugee" and "stranger" and to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all. It means to understand that each soul carries a story of trials and dreams, of loss and resilience. It means to remember that we, too, are but travelers on this earth, seeking a place where we belong. The call to welcome the refugee is not merely a social or political imperative; it is a spiritual mandate. It challenges us to look within, to confront our own fears and biases, and to embrace the transformative power of love. "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35). Let us, then, strive to be the embodiment of this love. Let us open our hearts and our homes to those who wander, offering them not just physical shelter but the warmth of human connection. In doing so, we fulfill a higher purpose, reflecting the divine compassion that transcends all borders and unites us in a common humanity. May we rise above the voices of division and fear, and may we become beacons of hope and hospitality in a world that so desperately needs it. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 23, 2024)