First Responders

First Responders. There are many incidences we have all have seen, but 9/11 comes to mind. But, that is not what I want to talk about. It is us Christians as First Responders. Jesus said they would know who we are by our love. This is a call to be a First Responder in Love. Here are a couple of categories that I think fit how we can be First Responders:

1) Listening over Telling:

James 1.19 “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,…”

2) Encouraging over Judgement:

Romans 15:2 "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."

3) Sharing over Shaming:

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God”

4) Praying over Complaining:

Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

James 5:16 “Therefore… pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

5) Enduring over Ignoring:

Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

6) Sacrifice over Platitudes:

John 15:9-17 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.