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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: I was a rebellious sort of guy before I came to know Christ. I was mouthy and loud. After I got saved, some of that rebel in me was tamed, but sometimes I just can’t stand to see people bullied and I don’t always react in a gentle way. I can’t say I am anxious to develop a “meek” spirit but I do want to respond to others as the Good Samaritan did. Is this what the Lord expects of me or will He still use me with my personality flaws that get in the way of having a gentle spirit? – R.I.

 

Dear R.I.: Have you ever met someone who was known as a rugged individualist? You probably have; you may even consider yourself to be one. And even if you aren’t, you probably secretly admire them, with their drive and their independent attitude and their lack of concern about what others think of them.

Anyone who has made a commitment to Jesus Christ is something of a rugged individualist. He or she isn’t going to live the same way everyone else lives; their goal now is to follow Christ. This may mean being scorned by family or friends or taking stands for what is right instead of what is popular. But in other ways, the Christian must not be rugged without compassion. When we come to Christ we become part of a family – the body of Christ, the church. Instead of being concerned only about ourselves, we become concerned about others in the family of Christ and their needs. This is the meaning of the Good Samaritan. We should also be concerned about those who do not yet know Christ, and perhaps through an act of kindness, they might see Christ living in us.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)