The keener the memory of our awful rescue, the more naturally we pity those in a similar plight. The more deeply we feel how undeserved and free was the grace that plucked us from the flames, the freer will be our benevolence to sinners.
–John Piper
We are right on top of the 10 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
It seems to me that those who experienced the loss of their home in Katrina are some of the first to want to help others when they hear of tragedies that others have encountered.
When they hear of a fire that has burned down someone’s home, they want to help.
When they hear of an earthquake, they want to send relief.
And definitely when they hear of flooding, they remember how others helped them, they remember the rescue, they naturally pity those who are experiencing the same feelings, and they are so very benevolent towards those in the midst of the crisis – wanting to help in any way possible.
And if we will allow God to open our eyes to see the matter clearly, we will see that we were in an even worse situation than those who lose a house. We were in a situation where our soul was lost – when our lives were wrecked by sin and we were destined to an eternity in hell for our rebellion until Jesus came in with His amazing grace and plucked us from the flames. If we will see that truth clearly, then we will have a natural desire to help others find the same help and rescue from Jesus. We will naturally pity those without Jesus, and we will be benevolent towards them – doing all that we can to help in any way possible.
But if we don’t feel that Jesus had to rescue us much, because we were pretty good people… then we’ll take the stance of the Pharisees who never saw their need, never knew their plight of spiritual shipwreck, and never had benevolent compassion for others to find rescue by the Messiah.
God, help me to have a keen memory of who I was before Jesus – with no righteousness of my own, lost, and destined for hell. Help me to have pity for those still without you. Help me to want to help them out of their terrible situation.