Unleashing the Power of Compassion

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
–Ecclesiastes‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Being a drop-off site for Syfan Logistics’ relief efforts provided our volunteers and me a number of stories to tell. People from all throughout the community have come to bring whatever they can afford. Greg Syfan called the response, “The power of the American spirit,” and he’s right. Americans are good at caring for their own. But then there is the compassion behind it all, and that has been overwhelming.

Some brought pallets of materials from their business, some pooled resources from their offices; families unloaded bags upon bags from their Walmart run; and some just gave whatever they had. It was awesome.

I think the story that moved me the most was Choices Pregnancy Center donating diapers to the cause. This is a non-profit whose mission is to save babies by serving mothers. We provide space monthly for their mobile care unit in the parking lot of the church. The assistant director and her staff came to the mouth of the trailer to offer up ten boxes of diapers! The people who depend upon donations were donating. Amazing.

Look at what God tells Israel as they prepare to live in the land of promise:

“For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” (Deuteronomy‬ ‭15‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

God’s people live with hands wide open—open to helping. And we know that every act of kindness is an opportunity for someone to learn about where that kindness comes from. The generosity of Jesus was meant to reveal salvation.

A lot of people became needy fast because of the hurricane. Some needy for a moment and some in need for a long time. The way we respond to such things shows whether or not we understand how needy we were when God sent His Son to provide for us. We owe the Lord everything because without Him we would have nothing. But God provides and His people are a providing people.

Good job this week, Asbury. You came through for many. May the many know the Lord through our wide open hands.

—Whit