Stories surface daily of Baptists and other believers risking personal safety and giving sacrificially to help people in despair.
It might take place following a devastating storm, while wildfires are blazing or related to other weather-related situations.
It could be connected to a tragic accident such as the recent midair collision in Washington, efforts to assist those fleeing war-torn regions or following a senseless neighborhood murder.
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No matter the situation, we typically see light emerging quickly from the destruction — the light of Jesus shining from disaster relief volunteers.
Standing with the survivors are committed followers of Christ, providing needed consolation, support and strength.
It’s not surprising to hear we are running toward those who are hurting — it’s instinctive to do everything we can in crisis moments.
We don’t worry about political party alliances or denominational preferences when a horrifying event devastates a community.
We merely see someone hurting and reach out to help.
The beauty of the moment can easily be missed because of the chaos swirling around the devastation, and once life settles back down, the giving spirit also can quickly grow cold again.
The month of February provides the perfect time to focus on what our daily lives might look like if we intentionally sought to serve others sacrificially, even outside of the crisis moments.
Closer look
What does it really mean when we chat in our church circles about “being the hands and feet of Jesus”?
Do we keep a uniform — the Jesus shawl — hanging in our closet, only to pull out when we go on a missions trip or when a tragedy occurs?
How do we reconcile the simple concept in 1 John 4:19 — “We love because He first loved us” — with the way we think about and treat others who think or act differently than we do?
Are we able to see others through the eyes of Jesus?
And are we willing to love them like Jesus loves them even when they have done wrong or are making bad choices?
Pain, disappointment, frustration and fear are part of all our lives, but that doesn’t mean we need to take it out on others.
Why purposefully turn others into enemies and work to destroy them rather than build each other up?
And why would we not look for every opportunity possible to show those who don’t know Jesus a glimpse of the love and grace He has for them?
How will I answer?
Sometimes I imagine how I will explain myself one day.
Will I be able to point to all the times I kept my eyes on Jesus, trusted even when the pain didn’t seem fair and obeyed despite not being able to see the full picture?
Will others have examples of when I genuinely reflected the light of our Savior, or will they quickly turn away, leaving me to the stark reality of the selfish motives of my heart?
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jennifer Davis Rash, president and editor-in-chief of TAB Media Group. This editorial will appear in the Feb. 13 edition of The Baptist Paper. Click here to subscribe.
