Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, 

About four or five years ago, as I walked downtown on a sidewalk bustling with people, a tall, neatly dressed woman in the midst of other strangers, walking in the opposite direction was about to pass me by. In so doing, without stopping, she very discreetly asked me for money to buy lunch. Whether correct or not, I definitely used subjective parameters in rendering a swift deliberation as I responded in the negative sans words. With her blond hair clean and neatly coiffured, and attire that seemed in keeping with that of an office professional, I rationalized that this must be some sort of scam because she “looked” too neat to be in need. Yet, I’ve often wondered: “What if that was an angel of GOD sent to stir awareness in regard to my propensity to judge based on looks or outer appearance?”

About a year ago, as I headed toward the gym at the end of my workday, I walked a different downtown sidewalk bustling with people leaving the workplace. A short, disheveled woman amongst the throng of hurried strangers, walking in the opposite direction was about to come directly in front of me; she was asking anyone who would give eye contact for whatever amount of money they might give her. Whether correct or not, I definitely used subjective parameters in rendering a swift deliberation as I responded in the negative sans words. With her un-combed brunette hair and dirty clothing, I rationalized that I give regularly to Food Pantries. Yet, I’ve often wondered: “What if that was an angel of GOD sent to stir awareness in regard to my set way of displaying compassion?”

Yesterday, in social media I watched a candidly taped video wherein two neatly dressed young men, separately approached three different people who were holding more than one slice of pizza as they ate. Each “requester”, essentially alluded to being destitute, not having eaten, and asked if the person with the food would give or share a slice. All three responded in the negative, with the last person adding a curse to the request (as though lack wasn’t enough). A short time later, one of the neatly dressed “requesters” together with another young man are seen with a box of pizza. (And) approaching a homeless man sitting against a fence on the sidewalk, greet him and ask if he would like their leftover pizza. A few minutes later, as the homeless man sat eating, the second “requester” sat down next to him, and asked if he would give or share a slice. Without saying a word and wasting no time, the homeless man reached into the box and gave the “requester” a slice. After taking a few bites, the “requester” stood-up, thanked the homeless man for sharing his food and, reaching for his wallet, stated that he was giving a “tip” for his generosity. The reaction of the homeless man, who never said a mumbling word, was clearly expressed by slowly put his hand on his own tearful eyes. The kind-hearted generosity of the homeless man touched me in such a way that I desired the ability to pluck him out of that situation. The individual who had the least, gave of that which he was given sans hesitation; completely void of subjective parameters. On the surface the homeless man had very little (in terms of material things), yet the generosity of his heart was very large.  

Divine love or agape is GOD’s kind of love; agape freely gives regardless of the return; such is the breadth, length, depth, and height of the love of the Lord Jesus. I’m grateful for: the mercy of God the Father Who so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son that we might (free-will) choose abundant life through Him; and for the compassionate love of Jesus the Anointed One Who agreed to the will of Abba Father in serving as the Mediator of a new, more better covenant between all mankind and GOD by His (sinless) blood. I’m grateful that ‘though Jesus the Christ recognized the pompous piety of the Pharisees and the Sadducees (even discerning their plot to kill Him), He walked in perfect obedience to the will of God the Father so that you/I would be made blameless and have eternal life through Him. I’m grateful that Christ Jesus set His face like flint in sacrificing His (sinless) lifeblood once for all.

Speak the promise . . . Harriet