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Daring Faith: Nehemiah's Compassion

We live in an interesting time… A time where refugees risk everything to cross borders for a place to call home. A time where evil threatens the safety of innocent lives in the name of terrorism. A time where leaders are caught in scandals that leave scars of skepticism on the hearts of the masses. A time where discussions surrounding sexuality and gender leave people with more questions than answers and more pain than healing. A time where racism still bleeds into neighborhoods, college campuses, church buildings, courtrooms and family dinners.

We live in a dark time, a time where it would seem safer to shrink back from humanity, looking out only for ourselves.

And yet, Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by our love.

Not our answers or opinions or accomplishments or even our ability to remain unharmed by a harmful world. No, by our love. The solution to darkness is our love. Daring faith always chooses the way of love.

Nehemiah chose love. Nehemiah was living a comfortable life as the king’s cupbearer, working in the palace and experiencing wealth and success. Then he heard about the plight of God’s people in Jerusalem, how they were without walls to protect them and were continually being harassed and oppressed. Nehemiah’s heart broke with compassion for the citizens of Jerusalem, so much so that he was willing to leave the comfort of the palace behind to bring hope to those living in ruins. With compassion for others, he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. His compassion changed not only the course of his own life, but the lives of God’s people as well.

Daring faith that pleases God is faith motivated by love and compassion, faith willing to do what it takes to help people.

My prayer for you is that you would look around with fresh eyes and an open heart and really see people. I pray that you would see them not as threats or problems or inconveniences but as children of God to serve. I pray you see people and before even wondering what they could do for you, you find yourself dreaming up ways to bless them. I pray you dare to do what it takes to help those around you!