Lack of Compassion "Stinks" of Sin.
“As they continued onward toward Jerusalem, they reached the border between Galilee and Samaria, and as they entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, sir, have mercy on us!”
He looked at them and said, “Go to the Jewish priest and show him that you are healed!” And as they were going, their leprosy disappeared.
One of them came back to Jesus, shouting, “Glory to God, I’m healed!” He fell flat on the ground in front of Jesus, face downward in the dust, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a despised Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the nine? Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?”
And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19
A few weeks ago, I walked through our church lobby to meet
my husband who is the custodian there and I passed by folks from the community who
were waiting for clothing ministry appointments. Intense body odor wafted
through the air. I held my breath and couldn’t wait to go back outside for fresh
air. I did not make eye contact with them. Instead, inside, I judged them and I
am ashamed of myself. There are reasons for body odor. Maybe no one taught them
hygiene. Maybe they are homeless and have no place to wash. Maybe they have no
washer. Maybe they ran across town to make their appointment because they need
clothes for their children. I’m sorry, Lord, for my behavior.
Beth Moore in “Jesus, 90 Days With The One And Only” shares
how she did not minister to leper colonies in India when she had the chance
because the smell of decaying flesh was too much for her. She regrets it.
Father, help me/us to have more compassion. Change me into
Jesus. He draws near to lepers. He sees them. He loves them. He heals them. May
I be more like Jesus and not miss out on opportunities to love people (all
people). Amen.
What have you done that "stinks"? Or that you regret?
Ouch! This post is too truthful, Dawn. It speaks too loudly to me. God told you I needed this, didn't He?
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, It is hard to live out life like Christ. I'll encourage you and you encourage me. OK? Love ya and miss ya!
DeleteHello Dawn,
ReplyDeleteIf I wrote about the things I have done, that "stink," and are unpleasing to the Lord, I would be writing all night long and some more. Yep! There are actions/behaviors/thoughts that I regret. But, like you, Dawn, I don't make excuses, I just admit my sin. Let us continue to admit our sin, as it makes us a little more like Jesus, everyday. May God bless you and keep you!
P.S. I've missed you, so I signed-up for notifications. Joy to you and yours, Dawn! Cynthia
Hi Cynthia! I've missed you too! Yes...I agree, repent and move on, trying to become more and more like Jesus. I will stop by soon to your blog! Thanks so much for leaving a comment.
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