Feed My Sheep

  The concept of being neighborly appears to have been nearly erased from the American consciousness. It  is truly amazing.  Even among the generation that grew up when you helped others when they needed it.  I am not speaking of my generation, or not even my parents generation, but the generation of retirees living across the street in townships and communities everywhere.

No wonder we have become a people who find pride in our selfishness.  Hiding behind our doors and our anonymous calls.  Why face anything head on? To answer a question with a question, what are we called to do?

This is not an observation on the cultural moral compass, no.  This is a request that we regain our focus on what is really important...LOVE.

Have we forgot how to love?  Hollywood likes to focus on the arbitrary "love" process.  Maybe that's part of the problem.  We are allowing ourselves to be sold a false truth.  That love is an endorphin rush, a temporary phase, and once it's course has been run we should look for the next fix.

What's sad is that Christians, followers of Christ, have went right along with the farce.  We see people in need of love and what do we offer?  "I'll pray for you"; "God knows the need"; "Keep your head up".  All nice remarks, all what most would consider proper.  But if you see someone freezing in the cold and only offer "keep your head up" do you think they warm themselves with your "proper" advice?  Does that make them feel better about their situation?  Do they feel love?  What did Jesus say love would look like?

 In John 21:17 Jesus said this, "Simon son of John, do you love Me? Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time. "Do you love Me?" "Lord you know all things; he replied, "You know I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."  --- Feed my sheep.

Not say nice things; not stroke an ego; not hope for the best and go on your way.  Feed them, love them.

Love is an action.  It is a choice you make.  You choose to put another's feelings and happiness before your's.  You do that even if it is not reciprocated.  Have we lost that?  I'm not saying don't pray, of course pray.  I will not argue about God knowing our needs, if anyone does He does.  People need to keep their heads up and move forward. However we have to get past our selfishness and sacrifice for the good of others.

Feed my sheep, maybe cut a neighbor's grass.  I don't know -- be willing to help ease a burden, not because we want to, but because Jesus was willing to do the same for us.  If we call ourselves people who follow after Him then we strive to walk in His footsteps.

Stop talking about philosophies and religious practices.  Instead take these things that give us the "holier than thou" complex and put them into action.  Be there for people, be real.  Show them a real Jesus.  A Jesus that gives them hope and strength.  Feed His sheep.