How are we serving?

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.”

(Luke 10:33, ESV)

One of the things burdening me lately is the need to reach out and serve others. We have so many around us who are lonely, having to sleep in the cold, feeling rejected, struggling to make ends meat, grasping at straws in their struggle to parent or make their marriage work.

Are we loving and compassionate towards these? Do we even see these people (seeing them as people, not problems)? Is our focus on what we wish others would do for us or on what we can do for those in need?

The first image makes me stop and think. It is a sobering thought to think that it could be me. We are only one decision away from a sin-filled life. Any one of us could quickly fall into desperate need of housing or food shortage. When we notice someone in need, do we look them in the eye? Do we value them as we want to be valued? Do we consider that one day we might be in their situation?

What is one thing we could do today or this week to serve someone else in compassion? I am not thinking of those we serve everyday but more so those who are out of our comfort zone or who cross our path unexpectedly or whom we have to make a deliberate effort to serve. Could we:

• Use the church directory to identify 1 or 2 people who might be lonely or in need?

• Become a voice into identifying and meeting the cold weather needs in our community?

• Determine to bring encouragement to someone likely feeling discouraged?

• Help someone … with whatever they need?

As NCC, may we not have to program outreach but naturally serve and love those God has placed around us!