S)"4 You shall not see your countryman’s donkey or his ox fallen down on the way, and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly help him to raise them up."
Deuteronomy 22:4 (NASB)
O) God is relational in everything, because at the start He is relationship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the beginning, we see God referring to Himself in plural and this is echoed by Jesus later, as He explained how He and the Father are one and how He existed long before being born to Mary. So, since we humans are created in God's image, we are designed to be relational as well, but the problem is selfish sin. So, consequently, we need to be commanded to support eachother. God intends that we should help one another because that's what makes strong community and that's what makes a strong people.
A) I'm a firm believer in community responsibility. A lot of my political views reflect that perspective as well, even through the Christian lense. All of my views are reduced to hypocracy, though, if I am not practicing community myself. In the above verse, the phrase, "pay no attention to them" is also translated, "hide yourself from them" and I am, unfortunately, guilty of that from time to time. I like to help out, but there are certainly times when I feel like I'm too busy, or don't have the money, or worst of all, simply have other things I'd rather do. I need to make it a point to avail myself to the needs of others. I need to remember that in everything I do, I should do it as if I'm doing it for Jesus directly, because He said as much in Matthew 25:40.
P) Father, I don't want to be a jerk. I feel compassionate, but I recognize that feelings aren't beings and I want to actually be compassionate. Forgive me for the sin of neglecting others, LORD. Holy Spirit, discipline me to act on Your instruction of compassion and grace toward others. Help me be more honest with myself and with You and with those in need when opportunities to serve present themselves. Don't let me hide myself from those in need. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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