Every now and then we are exposed to violence, immorality and desperation - but we are not just one screen removed from all of that, but as far removed as our crusty heart goes. We walk on the streets and overlook the body lying down on the sidewalk, whatever our motivation is, we ignored - be it self-preservation or I-am-too-busy (I am guilty of that). Or, we helped those we think needed help but was unappreciated or repaid with betrayal. Thus, we learnt to keep away from helping people - to protect our hearts, and to let a crust grow on it, slowly keeping everything and everyone away.
The crusty heart is a condition. A condition which comes naturally with a fallen world.
We learn to let others respond to those in need - there will always be others, right?
We can't possibly take care of every single person right?
We can't solve the problems of every needy person right?
Start with one act at a time. If we do not start with the people we see and meet daily how do we expect ourselves to care for the many we do not see? Ideas of helping the society is good, but if not put into the many hands you touched the ideas are just that, ideas.
But, what if we get hurt by helping others? I think that's why Jesus warned us that we are like sheep going into wolf's den (Matthew 10:16). Remember to remain as innocent as doves, and be as sly as the snake. We are not to unreasonably risk our lives but to take measures - using resources that God has provided - and then step out in faith when God calls. He always listen when we pray according to His will - to love Him and to love others as ourselves, to speak out His love to all peoples with authority, to grow to depend on Him; and He will supply all we need (Matthew 7:7-12).
Finally, I would like to end with this quote which reminds us on having the vulnerable heart:
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
-C.S. Lewis "The Four Loves"
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
-C.S. Lewis "The Four Loves"
