Journey Together
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Valued
This week I have had the beautiful opportunity to spend time with individuals who have very different life-stories than mine. On Thursday I volunteer at the Homeless Count. During my time there, I interviewed about 15 homeless individuals concerning their life circumstances. The information gathered in the surveys is compiled to help address the specific needs of the homeless population in this city. After they finished the survey, they were given blankets, food, and various resources. This was my first personal encounter with the homeless population. It was incredibly impacting to talk with these precious people.There are so many judgments and stereotypes that people place on the homeless, however, everyone's circumstance is different. I have no credibility to judge; Christ asks me to love. Today, I observed a self-help group for those dealing with mental illness and substance abuse. I was so impacted by their welcoming attitudes and their openness with one another. These experiences have reminded me of the wonderful value every human being has in Christ. We all have differing stories and struggles, but before Christ we are all equal and precious. As a follower of Christ, I desire to share His love and value others as He does. Colossians 3:12-14 says, "Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." There are enough people in the world judging and devaluing others, labeling others by their circumstances. Let us instead be representatives of Christ who value who the is person and not their life circumstances.
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