The Sin of Doing Nothing
What has happened to good old human kindness and decency? Gone are the days when people would help others out of the goodness of their hearts. These days, if it doesn't benefit someone to help their neighbor, most people are content to sit back and watch their fellow man struggle or suffer. What's up with that? It's certainly not what the Bible teaches.
The above passage of Scripture highlights a few areas where a person could (and should) help others. I could summarize it by saying, "If your neighbor needs help, help them." It's not complicated. It doesn't take a Ph.D. or any special schooling. What it requires, however, is putting others above ourselves and taking action.
If the neighbor's dog has gotten out of its fence and wandered into your yard, take it back to your neighbor.
If your neighbor's trashcan blew over and into the street, pick it up and place it where it belongs.
If your friend has lost her keys, help her find them.
If your coworker drops his pile of papers, help him pick them up.
If you see someone who needs help, help them. Don't just stand there and commit the sin of doing nothing.
Now, there may be some who will say we are under no obligation to follow these instructions because they are written in the law, and we are living under grace. Well, "thou shalt not kill" was written under the law too, but that doesn't mean the command no longer applies to us, does it? Besides that, there are plenty of verses in the New Testament (written in the time of grace, not law) that deal with the same principle of being kind to our neighbors.
These are just a few of the verses where God makes it clear how He wants us to act toward our fellow man. Be kind. Put others first. Keep an eye out for those in need. It's not enough to "not be mean." Sure, that's part of kindness, but God takes it a step further. He says, don't just hold back unkindness; show kindness. Reach out to others. Look for ways to help.
How much better would the world be if we all practiced more kindness? If we saw a piece of paper on the floor of the church and picked it up instead of walking by. If we witnessed someone who dropped something out of their pocket and cared enough to pick it up for them. If we saw our fellow man hurting and cared enough to send a card or give a hug.
It's not about being asked, nor is it about being seen. It's not about getting a reward or a compliment. It's about doing good things out of the goodness of our heart because doing anything else would be wrong. . .even doing nothing.