One of the questions during our training was "Who is worth saving?" If you encounter someone in need and it seems "unsafe," the general answer from "trained professionals" is that you should not put yourself at any kind of risk until you know that everything is safe for you. But should this be the Christian response? I know there are common sense things you can do to stay safe, but what about situations that have a risk involved? Do you avoid those until that risk is gone? I remember seeing a documentary about the life of Mother Teresa called Something Beautiful for God. There is a scene where a dying man is literally rotting in the street from leprosy or some other horrid disease. People are passing this man in a 20 ft radius because of his condition. Mother Teresa walks to him and without caution, holds him in her tired frail arms. My first thought was, "That must have been how Jesus looked" and my second thought was on how I wanted to learn to love like that.
One of our values is the sanctity of human life. No matter how rich, how poor, how despised, how voiceless that life may seem, it is valuable to God and deserves help. Many times we put different values on human life. I’ve heard derogatory comments about "those heathens with AIDS," "those lazy poor," "drunkards," "the dirty homeless," "the unborn" and numerous other responses that categorize the value of different human beings. In John 10, Jesus tells his disciples, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved... The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jesus gave his life for ALL. He did not distinguish who should receive salvation, healing or deliverance…it is offered to everyone. During our training, we are learning to love following the example Jesus left us. Whether it be family members, classmates, the poor, the unpopular or the well off, Jesus love is extended to all.
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