Commentary by Mike Colaw
Sitting in my office recently, I was preparing to answer a question asked by Dr. Drury out of Wesley Seminary, “Who is Jesus Christ for us today?” He was referencing Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s famous question he asked of the churches during the darkest days of the Nazi regime. While I was preparing to reflect on this, breaking news came up on the Internet, “At least 2 dead, more than a dozen hurt after two bombs explode at Boston Marathon.” (Fox News)
This question is relevant right here, right now. My heart breaks for these people – the confusion, the chaos, and people asking why. Because of the recent atrocities, Bonheoffer’s question now echoes through my mind in a much more emotional way. Let me restate his quote just a bit in an attempt to communicate the question’s intent.
How does our belief in Jesus practically affect how we engage this world?
Here are four things that come to mind:
Jesus teaches that we must take care of those who are hurting. In fact, this demonstrates our tangible love of God.
Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Jesus teaches us to offer hope beyond this broken world.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Jesus teaches us to usher in his nature, or “the fruit of the spirit.”
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Jesus teaches us to love sacrificially like Christ. We should care for those who are in need, even if it costs us personally. Serve those in need, don’t just give money to good organizations, get involved and help.
John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
So the next question is for those who call themselves Christian. Are you doing this with your life or are you just someone who agrees with the theological premise of Christ as Savior? Don’t just talk about Jesus – live like He did.