To Be Least

Stop.

Take a rest from your selfish thoughts and look at all the people that surround you. Do you see the bodies that pass you by on the paved sidewalk? Glance at each face. Do you see anyone you know?

There, behind that man, you’ve seen that lady before. You remember her, don’t you? She lost her husband two weeks ago in a tragic car accident. He didn’t feel a thing, they said, too fast and too sudden. Sorry, we could do nothing to help.

Of course, you knew what had happened. How could you miss it? She was your neighbor. Glancing out your kitchen window, you knew all that went on. The funeral and the families dressed in the dark colors of mourning. You saw all that, didn’t you?

Yet, somehow out of the pity of your heart, you ignored her. You pretended like nothing was wrong. Couldn’t you have at least looked at her as you passed each other going to your separate churches? Her eyes were streaked with painful tears, but you did not notice.

My friend, you did not love her as Christ loved you. You turned your shoulder to her misery and left her wailing in the dusty ground. How could you do such a thing? Sure, you gave fifteen percent of your wealthy income to the church, but you ignored Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” You have failed to obey the one you so proudly called your Savior in the walls of your church.

However, here you are standing before this widow. Greet her and offer her some comfort. Turn from your sinful past in order to receive God’s forgiveness.

Simply love this woman as Christ has loved you.