I’ve noticed something profound. Every time I choose to take care of someone, love someone, be there for someone, I discover a new dimension of freedom. This may seem a bit abstract, so all I ask for is a moment of your time to explain.
Is it just me, or are there a lot of hurting people in the world? I deal with a variety of different personalities, backgrounds, attitudes, and temperaments daily. The more people I meet, the more I realize that people fall into two groups spiritually: the healthy and the unhealthy.
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” -Mark 2:15-17 NIV
A couple of things leap off the page at me:
- I think it would be fair to say that Jesus was referring to the Pharisees’ belief that they were self-righteous (they believed that their works made them righteous). Why would Jesus need to speak with them? They knew it all already!
- I also think Jesus was showing that he was willing to give his time to those who knew they needed help. Jesus’s grace really shows through here. He was willing to give his time to those who were looked down on by the rest of society.
Here at The Christian Dollar, we talk a lot about financial freedom. The truth is, unless you have the freedom to love others, you are in chains. Financial freedom can never be felt unless true freedom is achieved. There are a lot of people out there in chains. Can’t we take the initiative to reach out and love people as God’s creation? I think we can.
! John wrote two articles for the book: "Budgeting for Groceries" and "How Grocery Stores Work."
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Interesting timing on this post. In my men’s group this morning I brought up the point that it is a sin to not be in relationship with others. God has called us to be relational. Relationship with Christ and then with others comes before everything else. Cultivate relationships and I guarantee net worth with grow. There is something to the phrase Power of Positivity. Great post.
@conqueringpf . . . Yes, I think we are to be relational beings. Building relationships with others is so vitally important. You never know how God will use us for his glory! Thanks for reading!