MAKING ROOM FOR THE HURTING

I write this post as one who is in progress like the rest of you, but I am compelled by God's word this morning to remind you that we are responsible to make room for those who are hurting. Yes I used the word "responsible" intentionally because it isn't just a nice idea to help people, it's commanded by God.

Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this. When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭24‬:‭18-19‬ NIV)

As you read these versed you see why God calls us to create space for the less fortunate or those who have fallen on hard times, it's because of the overtop grace that God has already shown to us. We get to freely receive grace through Jesus for our salvation, but God requires that we respond by turning and extending help to those around us.This wasn't just an old testament concept related to harvesting crops, it's actually a principle we see throughout the Bible and highlighted in one of the greatest stories Jesus tells about someone called the good Samaritan.

So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. – Luke 10:32-34

I don't think I really need to "convince" anyone that we need to take time for people or that we need to help those who are hurting; I just wanted to remind us again today of the call to help others.

3 Areas We Need to Make Room:

1. In Our Resources

   • In both verses, they had room in their budget to help. We need to create margin for generosity.

   • We are selfish if we spend all we have and leave none left over to help others. (I'm guilty of this of often)

   • Our church has a great foundation that gives and mobilizes outreach that could be a great place to invest. www.championsfoundation.com

2. In Our Time

   • It wasn't convenient to stop and change his plans, but the Samaritan adjusted his schedule when no one else would.

3. In Our Hearts

   • If we forget that we have been given so much and forgiven so much then we can start to turn a blind eye to the pain around us.

   • Because God made room for us he calls us to do the same for others.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It's not always easy or convenient to help others, but in both of the verses I posted in this article, they pushed past what was easy to what was right.

Do not ignore the pain of others because of personal inconvenience.