To be a disciple of Christ

When our eyes have been opened by Jesus - when we see people as He sees them - we can no longer sit quietly while suffering souls roam all around us aimlessly through life. Compassion for the lost can not coexist with complacency. Apathy is no longer an option.

The apostle John tells us : "It is by this that the children of God and the children of the devil are recognized. Whoever does not do justice is not of God, neither is he who does not love his brother" (1 John 3:10). Could the Word of God be clearer than that ? There is a litmus test of whether we are true disciples of Jesus, to see if we are really his children, and he is at the level of our compassion for others.

John goes on to say : "If anyone has the goods of the world, and sees his brother in need, he closes his entrails to him, how does the love of God remain in him ? Little children, do not love in words and with language, but in actions and with truth. By this we will know that we are of the truth, and we will reassure our hearts before him ; for if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things" (1 John 3: 17-20).

When the Holy Spirit has entered our hearts and lives, filling us with Jesus' love and compassion, we see people clearly. Our eyes shine with the joy of the Lord and we can no longer walk beside people who live on the margins of our society - the poor, the drug addicts, the alcoholics, the gang members, the sinners - without seeing them, without feeling their pain. We take it upon ourselves to help them restore their dignity before God. We kiss them, cry with them and lead them into the arms of Jesus who brings healing. That's what it's like to be a follower of Christ.

Nicky Cruz