Nehemiah Chapter 5. Touch a life today.
To put it simply, Ezra saw the needs of those around him and he did something about it. He was angry about the injustice and made sure action was taken. He challenged others to change their hearts and do what was right for the needs around them, but he also put his words into action and he himself did a lot to help the needy.
How angry do I get about the needs of those around me? How concerned am I? What do I do about it?
In reality, am I more consumed with my problems or the problems of others? Do I worry and fret over my issues more than the issues of others?
It's easy for me to get “trapped” in my busy schedule and issues that I neglect what's happening around me. I can get so engrossed in myself that I even justify why I was not able to visit someone or check up on someone or help someone. “I was busy!” “I'm so overwhelmed, I don't have time for what's happening with others.”
God, help me drop what I'm doing regardless of my “feelings” and touch a life that needs it. Help me even today.
I was reminded today of some powerful words from 1 John 3:16-18.
“By this we know love, that He (Jesus) laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”