Do Unto Others
By Dawn Weimar
“For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me drink.”
Matthew 25:35
We are called to feed and give drink to those in need. Imagine a time when you would put your life and the lives of your family in jeopardy for following that commandment. Hard to imagine? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is destined to become a classic for its unique perspective. Narrated by Death, it describes the best and worst of humanity in Nazi Germany, and yes, where giving a piece of bread to a “dirty Jew” is a crime. By Dawn Weimar
“For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me drink.”
Matthew 25:35
I am left speechless and disturbed… by the horror of war and by the power of words. The power of words to edify or destroy, the power of words to make castaways of people groups who then become victims of torture and death. Not a topic for polite conversation, and perhaps, a bit unusual early in the morning with the first cup of coffee. Stay with me for a minute…It is timely and urgent to ask ourselves if we can recognize truth from error, justice from injustice.
Ponder recent situations in which ministers are invited to political events, then uninvited for comments made that are based on their interpretation of Scripture. What do you think about the political establishment’s reaction? How do you discern truth from error? Jesus reminds us, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).
These are times in which we must be alert. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Word is our tool for discernment; we must spend time in it. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
We must be alert about the times we live in and pray for discernment. In the midst of the rhetoric, we are called to separate truth from error. We are called to separate the innocent from the evil. Furthermore, we are called to the simplest acts of compassion to people regardless of political climate and popular opinion. For one day, we may be in need of this same kindness.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Would you give bread to a starving man if it were a crime?
2. Will you give to the poor among us while it is not a crime?
3. If you were the “criminal,” how would you want others to do unto you?
FURTHER READING:
James 2:14-26; Romans 8:18-39
Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.
