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Key Bible Verse: If anyone … sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help—how can God's love be in that person? (1 John 3:17). Bonus Reading:1 John 3:11-24

Disciples are called to care for those in need. Finding favor with God apart from practical compassion for the poor is impossible.

In response to this teaching, a newlywed couple relocated to a poor neighborhood. A wave of burglaries had swept the neighborhood in previous months. A few months after moving in, my friends were burglarized. Many of their wedding gifts were taken while they were at work. They felt threatened, vulnerable, and violated, and debated whether or not they should move. After discussion and prayer, they decided to stay. Having their stuff stolen was part of what it meant to suffer with their neighbors.

Their willingness to stay and endure evil became the decisive event used by God to build trust with neighbors. It was the beginning of beautiful relationships. Neighbors began to look out for each other, and one young woman found faith in Jesus.

Many believers have had to endure even more difficult trials. But their witness is the same. God calls Christians to associate with the needy and bear the same burdens that they do, enduring the same problems, pains, and joys of their lives—just as Jesus did.

—Kevin Blue in Faith on the Edge

My Response: One way I could identify with the less fortunate in my area is …

Thought to Apply: It is the experience of touching the pain of others that is the key to change. … Compassion is a sign of transformation.

—Jim Wallis (social activist)

Adapted from Faith on the Edge (InterVarsity, 1999) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Merciful God, make me compassionate so that I will begin to mirror Your character.

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