Choices lead. Feelings follow.

We want to be marked by our love for others.   

In Mark 1:40-41, the Bible talks about a leper.  It didn’t identify the man by his name, but by his problem.   

He broke the law to go out in public with his leprosy.  

He put his life at risk to come to Jesus.  

We are to want to help others and to be known for that.    

Jesus became full of emotion for the man.  

Jesus was indignant about what the man had gone through.  

Jesus felt not on my watch. 

What God has given us increases our responsibility.  

We can’t call ourselves successful when people who are nearby in need and the streets are full of crime.   

Let’s not pat ourselves on the back until that changes.  (Proverbs 3:27-28).  

If we can do it, we are going to do it.  

The enemy’s church is the largest in town and not ours.  It’s not about being big.  

Remember…

1. Choices lead. Feelings follow.  

Be more informed and make some choices.  

In Matthew 9:35-36, Jesus went first.   

Then, he saw.  

Then, he had.   

You have to go before you see it.  

We have to discipline ourselves to go where we haven’t seen.  

Go do it, so you can feel it.  

Go more.  

See more what people are going through. 

2.  See people the right way.  

Train your eyes to see below the surface.  It takes spiritual eyes to look below the surface of how they are treating you.  

Hurting people hurt people.  We are not fighting them, but spiritual forces.  

Read Luke 10:30-37 about the Good Samaritan.       

  A. The thieves saw a victim to exploit.  They are the takers.

  B.  The priest saw a problem to avoid.  They thought what’s mine is mine and I’m going to keep it.   

  C.  The Samaritan saw a person to be loved and thought what’s mine is mine and I’m going to give it. 

3.  Remember what Jesus did for me. 

We search for lost people because He never stopped searching for me.   

Remember that you were destined for hell, but an innocent person took away my crime.  

Read Luke 7:47.  

Anyone not wanted anywhere else is welcomed here.  We’ve all been forgiven much.  We love because He first loved us  (I John 4:19)  

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands