Monday 24 September 2007

Background

Despise = To regard as unworthy of one's interest orconcern

If we are not interested in people, or feel their needs are not ourconcern, then we are, according to this Bible verse, committing asin.

It can be dangerous to take one Bible verse out of context,however, injustice and mistreatment of others being a sin, is atheme running throughout.

This passage seems to assume that the neighbour, who we are not todespise, is also needy. Sometimes we are all inclined to see peoplewho are not 'like us', who are 'needy', as unworthy of our interestor concern.

There have been a series of story-sharing events in NorthLancashire this last year, and people have spoken about times whenthey have felt excluded by the attitude of others in the Church,and by the Church systems. They have felt that other people havetreated them as if they are 'not worthy'. If those who were doingthe excluding were to hear these stories they would be surprised atthe impact their behaviour is having on others.

When Methodist Ministers are ordained in to their Ministry, thereis a point in the worship where the whole congregation call out"you are worthy"; are we 'calling this out' to the needy?

To Ponder

Who are the needy in British society and theworld?

The Methodist Church has a policy statement thatracism is a sin. Where does this link in today's reading?

Can you be sure that you can say with a clearconscience that you don't despise any of your neighbours? Which ofyour actions show that you treat the needy as 'worthy of yourinterest'?