We all recognize that the Greater Montgomery area(as well as our state and nation)has a CRIME problem. The law is good and it keeps perimeters for order and safety. When someone breaks the law, they have a consequence. Unfortunately, those deterrents don't always work. And it seems some days that it is getting out of control. So, how do we respond to the crime problem in Greater Montgomery? Do we move out of here? Do we buy more locks and alarms and bolt our doors? Do we stay in a mindset of fear and anxiety all the time? Just how are we, as followers of Christ, supposed to respond.
Here are a few things to think about and ponder.
1. Crime is a HEART problem. The reasons people commit crimes vary but it all comes down to the HEART. So, how does the heart change? Here is a great quote from a blog I read that you might want to ponder. If we see people as bruised reeds, then maybe we can address the issue before crime happens.
"It was said of Jesus: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out “(Matt. 12:20). The next person in our community who may act out in violence is right now, today, somewhere, a bruised reed. A smoldering wick. Will we notice that person? Will we help that person back away from the edge of the cliff? Law enforcement officers cannot and should not supervise everybody’s lives. Our laws define civil behavior, but they cannot tame human personalities". Bible Gateway
2. Investment in peoples lives are where we define those who are "bruised reeds". We can't simply be nice to someone one day and then be through with them. Missions and ministry to our community involves being invested in our communities and getting to know, really getting to know, people.
1 John 3:17 "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?"
IF we SEE that there are HEART problems in this world, we need to ask ourselves the question, are we giving answers to that "need" and showing those who are "bruised" how to find peace?
This week, pray for your neighborhood, your city and yourself. Ask the Lord to show you WHO is "bruised" out there around you and to give YOU wisdom on how to minister and mend those bruised hearts.
Here are a few things to think about and ponder.
1. Crime is a HEART problem. The reasons people commit crimes vary but it all comes down to the HEART. So, how does the heart change? Here is a great quote from a blog I read that you might want to ponder. If we see people as bruised reeds, then maybe we can address the issue before crime happens.
"It was said of Jesus: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out “(Matt. 12:20). The next person in our community who may act out in violence is right now, today, somewhere, a bruised reed. A smoldering wick. Will we notice that person? Will we help that person back away from the edge of the cliff? Law enforcement officers cannot and should not supervise everybody’s lives. Our laws define civil behavior, but they cannot tame human personalities". Bible Gateway
2. Investment in peoples lives are where we define those who are "bruised reeds". We can't simply be nice to someone one day and then be through with them. Missions and ministry to our community involves being invested in our communities and getting to know, really getting to know, people.
1 John 3:17 "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?"
IF we SEE that there are HEART problems in this world, we need to ask ourselves the question, are we giving answers to that "need" and showing those who are "bruised" how to find peace?
This week, pray for your neighborhood, your city and yourself. Ask the Lord to show you WHO is "bruised" out there around you and to give YOU wisdom on how to minister and mend those bruised hearts.
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