Our nation is in the midst of turbulence and turmoil. Americans (regardless of gender, race, religion, or political affiliation) are experiencing a range of emotions, many negative. Some are hurt, others are frustrated. Some are overwhelmed, others are angry. Some are fearful and others are confused. But, perhaps this is perfect timing for Christians to arise.

It is the perfect time for Christians to be salt and light.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:13-16

Let us examine ourselves! Have we lost our saltiness? Is our light shining during these dark times? Our light will shine, if we show compassion and operate in love.

It is the perfect time for Christians to show compassion.
We serve a Compassionate Savior, whom we should emulate.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us all in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” -2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The woman caught in adultery, in John 8:1-11, was laid at the feet of a Compassionate Savior, by an angry mob. Can you imagine the gratitude she felt, when Jesus showed her compassion, instead of condemnation? He didn’t excuse her wrong, but His actions boldly confirmed that her human worth was greater than her sin!

Have we been too quick to condemn, instead of seeking to understand? Have we been too quick to judge, instead of reaching out with compassion? Have we been too stuck on our political affiliation, instead of diving deep into the plight and pain of our brothers or sisters? Is our lack of compassion repelling the world from Jesus?

It is the perfect time for Christians to operate in love.

“They will know you are my disciples by how you love one another.” -John 13:35

1 Corinthians 13, clearly details that love is a verb, love is an action word. It is perfect timing for Christians to love in our actions. If we fail to display or actively love, sadly we may be accused of just making noise – a resounding gong or clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Ironically, one of the greatest displays of love came from a Good Samaritan. Jesus spoke of this in the parable found in Luke 10:25-37. As you read the parable, you will notice the preacher ignores the needs of another; the religious fails to assist, but it is the Samaritan that stops. Good Samaritan is actually an oxymoron; the Samaritan wasn’t considered good. The preacher was supposed to be good, he is expected to show love, but he keeps going. The religious was supposed to be good, he is expected to show love, but he keeps going. It was the Samaritan who operates in love. It was the Samaritan who loved his neighbor as himself. It was the Samaritan who was willing to move beyond his comfort zone for the good of someone else.

Today, have we witnessed many good samaritans operating in love, while the religious have passed on by. It is perfect timing for Christians to actively love. Let us not miss our time. Without love, we pander in religion, without relationship with Jesus Christ.

It is perfect timing! Perfect timing to be salt and light, perfect timing to show compassion, and perfect timing to operate in love.

Let us not miss this opportunity. Christians need to arise! It is time for the true Christians to take up the heavy cross and carry it!