Reach4Life- Journey 4: ChangeSample

DAY 6: HELPING THE HURTING

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Luke 10:27, NIV

LISTEN

Millions of dying starfish washed up onto a beach. A man was trying to throw them back one at a time. He thought to himself, ‘Do I really think I can make a difference?’ As one, and then another, splashed into the water, he smiled and thought, I can for this one, and this one, and that one.

The pain and injustice all around us can leave us feeling overwhelmed. God calls us to do what we can. He is a God of compassion and justice, a God who is especially drawn to the most overlooked and vulnerable people in society.

LOOK

Luke 10:25-37

LEARN

Following Jesus means that we learn to love the people around us (v27), especially those who are hurting (v37). In this story the religious people (the priest and Levite) were too busy or uncaring to help, while a person of low class in society (the Samaritan) lovingly did what he could.

God wants us to rise to the occasion and care for the needy, doing what we can and encouraging others to join in (v35). Being a Christian is not only about loving God. It’s about loving people.

Here are the beliefs and way of life that God our Father accepts as pure and without fault. When widows are in trouble, take care of them. Do the same for children who have no parents. And don’t let the world make you impure. (James 1:27)

Don’t forget Mother Teresa’s warning: The poor don’t need us as much as we need the poor.

That’s because serving broken people draws us closer to the God who loves them.

LIVE

· How do you feel about trying to be more compassionate towards hurting people?

· What holds you back?

· How can you start helping others wisely?

LINK

For more on Helping the Hurting, read:

Matthew 25:31-40