To have sympathy for those ‘good’ people that have bad things happen to them happens with ease. Those battling cancer, especially children, for example. Their suffering tugs at our heart and we readily extend our love to them.
What about those who are suffering from bad things because of a bad decision? Do we also extend our sympathy without hesitation to them? Or do we quickly pass judgement and withold the message of the Gospel by ignoring their existence? They brought it upon themselves. They deserve it. It’s punishment for a sinful life. But aren’t we all sinners?
Jesus talked to the woman at the well. He ate with those individuals that others would not dare socialize with. Christ’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life is for ALL. Jesus did not say “Judge your neighbor…” His commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Reference passages: Matthew 22:39 and John 4). Moving past prejudice can be challenging at times. A challenge that we should be willing to take on. We can show our love, even without condoning a particular choice or way of life. As Christians, shouldn’t we be the first to move out of our comfort zones to care for those that a majority of people prefer to ignore?
