Today Date: Thursday, February 16, 2012
By: Lakisha Goldsberry
Today’s Lesson: Being Bruised to be a Blessing
Have you ever had an accident when you hurt yourself? At first glance, there is barely any evidence it happened, so you don’t pay it any mind. A few hours later, you discover that the accident has left a mark or maybe a big bruise. Until you noticed the scar, you never really realize how bad it hurt, how much pain it caused or how uncomfortable it made you until you had that visual. Doesn’t feel good right? If that’s not your story, maybe you can relate to walking outside, driving in a hurry, running pass or just casually watching someone who is soliciting your help by asking, requesting or better yet begging for your help. Did you do anything about it? Did you sympathize with them? Did you roll your eyes in disgust? Did you pretend they weren’t there and ignored them? Did you say to yourself “Look I don’t have anything to give anybody”? I think we all can testify to one of the above scenarios. However, can we ask ourselves this question and give a truthful answer? “Do we mind being bruised to be a blessing”?
Prov. 3:27-29 (from the Message Bible) says 27-29 Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person. Don't tell your neighbor "Maybe some other time" or "Try me tomorrow". God explains in the passage to never ignore the needs of someone who needs your help, whether you understand why they need it or not. As Christians, our responisibility is to “bare one another’s burdens” and to be our “brother’s keeper”, even if the world neglects to uphold this standard! John 13:34-35 says “But now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples”. So many times, we put our agendas before anyone else’s needs. We get so complacent and absorbed with our own issues, needs, wants, luxuries, must-haves and can’t do withouts that we totally fail to remember that “It is better to give than to receive”. Most of us don’t give if it’s going to bruise us, stretch us financially, take up more than a little time, take us completely out of our way, or inconvenience our plans to come to the rescue of others…If it’s not us, WE DON’T CARE! During our class in Bible Institute on Monday, Pastor E made a very clear distinction to the class. She said that there is a difference from having SYMPATHY than COMPASSION. When you have sympathy, you are aware of someone’s personal issues, express concern and that’s where it ends. When you have compassion, you are aware of someone’s circumstances and not only speak of it, you’re moved to action. Let us not just do what’s comfortable for us and always be the FULL-TIME RECIPIENT, let us instead give when we can’t afford it, extend ourselves when we don’t benefit, release the selfishness of greed and overindulging to reflect the love of Christ in the earth. Besides, I wonder who benefited the most from Christ giving His life for someone else’s sins??
Lastly, Mark 12:41 says 41-44Sitting across from the offering box; he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all." This scripture reveals how God is not concerned with your lavish giving when you have an abundance of it. He looks at the heart of those who give what they don’t have. The poor widow gave ALL SHE HAD! No thinking about her means of survival for that day or the next. She gave her all out of obedience. What’s the sacrifice in giving what you won’t miss? I’ve learned that God will honor you in your giving when it’s done in your season of LACK. That’s what He’s pleased with! Let’s examine how we treat one another. Is it with love and concern or like a mere afterthought? When we consider what struggles and difficult situations others are experiencing, don’t just stand there...do something! Answer the call to rush to someone’s aid cause even though it’s not your turn, don’t take for granted that your season of drought isn’t on the way! So when you get a chance, take a moment to look and see if you have any bruises to prove you’ve been a blessing!
Have a wonderful, blessed, productive, stress free day!
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