International (MNN) — From Russia’s war on Ukraine to the Israel-Hamas war to Sudan’s civil war, the headlines are full of one global crisis after another.
It’s easy to sit back, passively receive the latest news, and form opinions about current events like these. But is that how Jesus wants His people to respond?
“A lot of people have opinions about whether Russia is right, or Ukraine or Hamas or Israel. But as Christians, we cannot sit back without a heart of compassion for those suffering on all sides,” Georges Houssney with Horizons International says.
“Whether it’s Russians who are dying, or Ukrainians, or Sudanese, Muslims, or Hindus, we must have a heart of compassion.”
Christians should be aware of current events and Gospel opportunities so that they can turn compassion into action, he explains.
“Every Christian needs to have a heart of compassion as they watch the news and not take sides from a political perspective,” Houssney says.
“When Jesus looked at the crowds, He had compassion on them. With compassion comes a desire to save people from darkness, sin, violence, [and] hatred.”
Making a difference without “picking sides” and maintaining your Christian identity is possible.
(Photo Courtesy of Global Outreach Day)
“My goal in ministry is not to take sides but to minister to both sides,” Houssney says. “Jews need Jesus, Muslims need Jesus, and even nominal Christians need Jesus. That’s my approach.”
There’s a lot of need in our world today. The Lord will reveal where and how He wants you to serve. He only asks for a willing heart.
“I heard a pastor once say that every soul without Christ is a mission field, and every soul in Christ is a missionary,” Houssney says.
Ask the Lord to help you see the world through His eyes. Then, keep first things first. Instead of commenting on the latest political developments, watch for opportunities to share your faith.
“From a spiritual perspective, all of these things are happening because Satan wants to destroy, kill, and steal, as Jesus told us,” Houssney says.
“We need to go back to the basics of the Christian message, which says God loves you and He will give you eternal life if you accept Jesus, His Son, as an atonement for your sin.”
Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Eepeng Cheong/Unsplash.
