The reflections on assisting the injured impressively contemplate the universal reality of human suffering and emphasize the necessity of addressing the needs of others, regardless of their material status. The comparison between wealth and poverty as irrelevant factors in human suffering underscores the fact that all people are injured, suffering, and struggling in different ways.

The quoted Bible passage from Luke 4:18, where Jesus declares his mission, serves as a focal point for the call to help the needy in our surroundings. The focus is on proclaiming the gospel to the poor, bringing freedom to the captives, enabling the blind to see, and releasing the broken into freedom. This reminds us that assistance to the needy should be not only material but also spiritual and emotional.

The challenge of meeting the needs of all people, even without the certainty that they will accept Jesus, underscores the universal love and mercy to which Christians are called. It emphasizes the motivation to help the needy, not only as a means of evangelization but as a direct response to the love and call of Jesus.

The example of Jesus as a fundamental principle for action emphasizes the need to take the needs of all people seriously, regardless of their faith beliefs. The thought that we do not know whether everyone we help has accepted Jesus highlights the selflessness and unconditional love in Christian service.

The emphasis on being aware of the needs of others and offering compassionate support, regardless of cultural differences, underscores the importance of empathetic assistance. The consideration of Matthew 25:34–40 illustrates the message that Christ himself is present in the needy and will recognize our actions.

Overall, the text calls for taking the needs of the injured seriously, showing selfless love, and offering compassionate support, irrespective of religious differences. It is a powerful reminder that true assistance goes far beyond material goods and should encounter people in their entirety.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-4-to-help-the-hurting/

Today, in our devotion, we turn to one of the earliest books in the Bible, the book of Job. A book that directly addresses the universal theme of human suffering and evil. In a world grappling with questions of God’s existence in the face of pain and suffering, we find in Job an encouraging perspective.

The question of suffering and evil has always occupied believers and unbelievers alike. How can an all-good, all-powerful, and all-loving God exist when evil exists in the world? This stumbling block remains a challenge for many. Yet, early in the Holy Scriptures, in the beginnings of the book of Job, God provides insight into this theme.

It is fascinating to learn that, according to Jewish tradition and the teachings of Ellen White, Moses wrote the book of Job in the solitude of the Midianite desert. During this time of preparation, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he not only wrote the first book of Genesis but also the book of Job. God knew the questions that suffering would raise and thus presented us from the beginning with a story that addresses the pain and suffering of humanity.

The Bible teaches us in Matthew 6:34; John 16:33; Daniel 12:1; and Matthew 24:7 that evil is a reality in our world. Scripture not only tells us that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving but also that evil exists. However, evil is not an excuse not to believe in God. Job himself, despite all his suffering, did not question the existence of God but sought the why.

We all have questions about the evil we see in the world. But how can we still trust in God’s goodness? The story of Job teaches us that amidst suffering and questions, we can trust that God is there, that He knows our pains, and that in the end, all will be made well.

Let us pray together in this understanding and thank God for the wisdom given to us in His Word.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-trust-amidst-evil-the-earliest-of-books/

The text emphasizes the timeliness and relevance of the topic of immigrants and refugees, urging acceptance by recounting the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt. It calls for overcoming cultural and language differences to extend a helping hand to the needy, in line with the Gospel call.

Biblical references in Deuteronomy 10:19, Psalm 146:9, Romans 12:13, and Leviticus 23:22 underline the important theme of mercy and care for strangers and the needy. The essence of these verses reminds us that God has a heart for those who are strangers, and we are called to assist them in their time of need.

The challenge of standing in solidarity with people who look different, speak a different language, and have different religious values is presented as a litmus test for the Gospel. The call to leave the ethnic, national, and cultural comfort zone emphasizes the need to actively advocate for integration and mutual understanding.

The practical steps suggested begin with prayer and gathering information about immigrants and refugees. By collaborating with organizations or starting a community service, concrete actions can be taken to provide support. The encouragement to make even a small contribution emphasizes that every effort, no matter how modest, can make a difference.

The question at the end of the text encourages personal reflection on how to help immigrants or refugees in one’s own environment. This raises awareness of individual responsibility and urges creative and concrete action, even if they are small steps. Overall, the text strongly urges not to overlook the needs of immigrants and refugees but actively engage in supporting them.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-3-refugees-and-immigrants/

Today, let us reflect together on a significant theme: the question of the origin of all things. In our contemplation, we will focus on the “cosmological” argument, leading us to recognize the existence of God as the most logical explanation for creation.

The basic idea of the cosmological argument is simple: nothing arose by itself, and nothing created itself. Everything created was brought into existence by something that existed before. This chain of causes continues until we reach something uncaused, something that has always existed and was never nonexistent. This uncreated reality, eternally existing, is, as we believe, the God described in Holy Scripture.

Let’s look at some verses that provide insight into the origin of all things:

1. Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they were created and have their being.”

2. Colossians 1:16–17: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.”

3. John 1:1–3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.”

These verses show us that the most logical explanation for creation is an eternally existing God. In contrast, some thinkers claim that “nothing” created the universe. Even prominent scientists like Stephen Hawking held this view. However, as Christians, we must remember the crucial truth expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.”

It is essential to keep this truth in mind because in a world often seeking other explanations for creation, we know that our conviction of an eternal and omnipotent God is the only logical and true answer to the question of the origin of all things.

Let us pray together in this awareness and thank God for His wisdom and revelation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-the-logical-explanation-for-creation-nothing-came-from-itself/

Ellen White presents a clear five-step process that can serve as a guide to effectively and compassionately serve.

The first step, mingling among the helpless and spending time with them, emphasizes the importance of personal engagement and empathetic closeness. The mention of Jesus being among the sick and suffering underscores that true help occurs where it is most needed.

Compassion as the second step highlights that service without authentic compassion loses its impact. It is a challenge but also a divine call to show compassion without expecting anything in return. This aligns with Jesus’ example of showing compassion to people before inviting them to follow him.

The third step emphasizes the need to address the specific needs of people. It is stressed that true help is not just in words but also in actions. Examples from the reports of Jesus show that he not only spoke but also acted to fulfill the needs of people.

Gaining trust as the fourth step emphasizes that a trusting relationship is the foundation for any effective help. Through authentic service and addressing needs, trust can be built, paving the way for the fifth step.

The final step, leading people to Jesus, emphasizes the ultimate purpose of service. It is not just about satisfying material needs but also about presenting people with the life-changing message of Jesus.

In conclusion, the text asks about the opportunities to help those in need. It encourages being creative and resourceful in finding ways to assist needy people in our own life situations. This could be through attention, listening, support, or prayer, even if we may not perform the same miracles as Jesus.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-mission-to-the-needy-8-2-christs-method-alone/