The Real Cost of Compassion
From the moment I began preparing for our recent sermon series, “The Art of Neighboring,” I was shocked by how many opportunities God has given me to connect with those who live around me. The part that is convicting to me is the fear that I have allowed my agenda to eclipse His desire for me to care well for my neighbors. I have sensed, as I have interacted with many in our church family, that you can relate to me in this area. Several of you have shared stories of neighbors going through crises that remind us of how temporary life is. I do not want to assume I will have a “better” time to connect with them; I want to take the time to engage today. So the commitment I have made is this – if God opens a door, I do not want to be the one who closes it. When we studied the Good Samaritan, these words from Luke 10:33 (ESV) stood out to me, "But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion."
It has been well said that “compassion is never convenient.” In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and Levite avoided the beaten traveler, and no doubt they had plenty of excuses for not helping (e.g., touching him required them to break ritual purity laws, it would derail their schedules, it might put their safety at risk…etc, etc.). The Samaritan, however, saw the man’s humanity as a higher priority than his own comfort. He physically bandaged the wounds, used his own donkey to carry the man, paid an innkeeper two denarii (two days’ wages) out of his own pocket, and promised to cover any additional expenses. This is a wonderful example of biblical neighborliness, a willingness to pay a personal cost so someone else can survive and heal. Jesus said that is what it means to be a neighbor. I have admitted thatbeing a good neighbor means allowing interruptions in my schedule, my agenda, and my budget in order to care for someone in need.
I have heard from a number of you about ways you’re trying to be better neighbors. Here are some intentional and practical ways for you to consider:
Keep an intentional margin of time in your weekly schedule, just in case God opens a door that He wants you to go through.
Set aside an envelope with some money in it, just in case a special need comes up that you can help meet.
Intentionally walk around your neighborhood and pray that God gives you a chance to connect with whomever He wants you to connect with.
Invite your neighbors to a front-yard cookout. Some have found it is a bit intimidating to go into a neighbor's home, but if the invitation is to join you in the front yard or on a deck, some are willing to participate more readily.
Feel free to share your ideas with me as well, and I will pass them along. I am enjoying going on this adventure with you!
Expectantly,
Shawn
P.S. We’re planning to wrap up an amazing week of Beulah on the Road day camp together on July 19! We will be inviting all campers and their families back for a special Sunday to Celebrate. Join us for morning services- including baptisms- and stay for a cookout right after the second service. You are welcome to bring a favorite side dish to share. I hope to see you there!
