Devotionals

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Be Doers Also
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


One evening following a high school varsity basketball game in Norman, Oklahoma, 16 year old Anita had her gym bag stolen. It contained among other things, her house keys, all the money she had earned from her part-time job, her picture identification card as well as her change of clothes following her basketball game. As Anita stood bewildered and near tears, her friend Marilyn came over to comfort and offer help.

“What can I do?” Marilyn asked.

Anita looking down shaking her head. “Aw, nothing. But thanks for the thought.”

So that is pretty much what Marilyn did—nothing. Beyond feeling sorry for Anita, Marilyn did nothing.

The next day Helen learned Erin and Cindy took up a collection to replace the stolen money. Irene found a locksmith who convinced Anita’s parents that changing their residential door locks would be their best interest and safety. Damon organized a search of the Norman North high school campus just in case Anita’s gym bag might have been discarded in a surrounding dumpster. While Helen had been feeling overwhelmed and sorry for Anita, Erin, Cindy, Irene and Damon had come up with practical ways to help.

At times, each person will go through a period trying to decide whether to help or not. Yet Jesus makes it very clear that we should come to the aid of our brothers and sisters without hesitation—“As you would that men should do to you, you should also do to them (Luke 6:31). By the same token, Sacred Scripture compels those of you that will receive neighborly help and assistance should not be or become dependent upon their neighbor for perpetual help. But to remember such gifts as the sacrifice of a brother(s) and/or sister(s).

Prayer: Let us all be, O God, one who closes ranks to those in trouble to
to express empathy as the first act and direct service as our next
act.

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