I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Deuteronomy 22. “If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner. If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it. If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet” (Verses 1-4). Help. We are called to help. Have you heard of the Bystander Effect? It’s a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a person in need if others are present. The belief is that you expect that someone else will or has already done what you where planning to do. Basically you don’t do anything because you feel it is someone else’s responsibility. When did this become the norm? In these verses God makes a statement that blows our bystander perspective out of the water. He makes the case that: it is EVERYONE’S responsibility. He says, “If YOU see [a need]” meaning you and I collectively. Don’t stand by hoping someone else will do the right thing. Do it yourself. You want the world to be a better place? You want to see kindness and compassion for the needs of others come back? Well it all starts with YOU (and ME). Don’t wait for another to initiate. Do what God commands… HELP.