When Convictions Meet Compassion

22 yr. old Harman Singh broke strict religious protocol on May 15, 2015 by removing his turban to wrap the bleeding head wound, of a 5 year old boy who had been in a serious accident. “I didn’t think about the turban, all I could think was, the boy is bleeding and something needs to be put on him”.  He is credited with saving a life. 

Harman Singh meets Daejon Pahia, 6, after tending to him on a road in Takanini, South Auckland. Photo: Supplied

Tragedy can be defined as “allowing our convictions to overwhelm our compassion”.  Granted, we do see people rioting, looting in the streets of our cities under the banner of compassion for those who have been allegedly, injured by society or it’s watchdogs. However, these people have not rioted with real conviction; because they have done unto others, what they don’t want done to them. So they have allowed some warped sense of justice,/revenge,/get-what-I- want, excuse to run wild and wreak havoc.

 But on the other hand, there are also those whose lofty and high and mighty ideals, have made them a cold unreachable ivory tower that no one can attain. Sadly, many of these are the people, who are supposed to be the light of the world. Purportedly Shining the light of Jesus Christ and yet, they have allowed their convictions to blind them to the needs of a world that has made shipwreck because of sin or a lack of a biblical/moral compass. 

Just as accident victims, need paramedics, ambulances, and doctors and treatment; so do the victims of sin in our generation.

We need to realize that it is our convictions and biblical/moral compass that has allowed us the privilege, of not being in the same shipwrecked condition and not our own basic goodness.  Are the convictions we hold dear supposed to cause us to sit in judgement over those without them?, Or do they keep us strong enough to rescue those in need?  Mr.  Harman Singh broke strict religious protocol to save a childs’ life. What will we do to save not only a life, but an eternal soul? Mr. Singhs’ religious conviction gave him the means to save a life. Does yours?  Is it your convictions and beliefs that allow you the strength to reach out and rescue a life? Or do you struggle with compassion due not to convictions, but actually criticism, or prejudice?

Jesus related the idea that one soul is worth the whole world.

Luke 9:25  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

 He penned through the hand of John; that His sacrifice is for the whole world, even the sinner.1 John 2:2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

 He then conveyed through Peter that His will for us, is to reveal the same saving and convicting message that rescued us out of that terrible accident of sin.

1Pe 2:9-10  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Are we willing to use compassion, to silence our criticisms and wrap our convictions around the victims of society? Will your convictions overwhelm your compassion or will they strengthen you to minister to the needy?

Just a thought! 

Out of My Mind

Rev. R.J. Hall