Wounded - Roots

 

Sometimes people are so damaged they can't just "sort themselves out." Without help they just aren't able to reach a place of restoration from their brokenness.

But if their trouble began with their own bad choices, its easy to adopt the attitude of, "Why should I interfere, they are just getting what they deserve." It's the silliest notion, like people need to qualify for compassion.

Such thinking tends to be most common in those who want to maintain the distinction between themselves and those they consider dirty.

 

Why is it that the "good" people want to come no closer than a stone's throw to those who have chosen foolishly and stained themselves? It's like those most in need of mercy get chained most inseparably to the legacy of their crimes. As Mark Hall from Casting Crowns said, they become seen as influences, not people.

 

Perhaps we get worried about what may be thought of us, worried about contamination.

Jesus never recoiled from the unclean. It's worth considering the social implications of his acceptance of these people; the concept of uncleanness—moral, social or physical, had become something like leprosy, the further you kept away the better your chances of remaining undefiled. Some rabbis of the time are even reported to have thrown stones to keep the unclean from them, Jesus did the opposite.

           Concern for his reputation didn't keep him from caring for them, they were more important than the comfort that could have been had by avoiding them.*

 

It doesn't take many bad turns to lead someone to a place they never ever wanted to be, and a place they desperately long to escape and need help in doing so, but it's so easy for others to recoil from them, not wanting to know or care, keeping themselves away from the soiled person.

 

There is a place for wisdom here too. There are dangers and temptations that come with certain paths and histories; private errands of "mercy" that invite opportunity for disaster—and sometimes end in disaster—are not unheard of, and one must sometimes wonder about the integrity of the motives. But even pure motives are no suit of armour.

It's better to be moved by compassion, not led by compassion; it is a good motivator, but not always a good judge. This is not to advocate less compassion, simply wisdom in how it is shown.