By: Scott Schuler

Do you ever feel helpless, as if standing by watching the world going down the toilet at an alarming rate?

Jesus has the answer: we change this world one person at a time, like He did.

I recently met a young man at church who was obviously looking to be part of a community who would embrace, rather than judge, him. In our first encounter he shared that he had spent time in prison. For what, I don’t know or care. My wife and I embraced this young man and invited him to our home life group.

He fit in immediately. There was no judgment, no questions, just love.

All 16 people in our group treated this young man like a friend we’d known for years, as we studied, ate and fellowshipped together.

In my own experience of hitting rock bottom in my life and watching others who didn’t quite “fit in,” most people would diss a guy like this.

But why? Jesus was drawn to the least liked (tax collectors) and unpopular (prostitutes). Why aren’t we drawn to people who are seeking, suffering or don’t look like us?

My new friend asked me to baptize him on Easter Sunday. What an honor! I asked his permission to share with you what he texted me the day before his baptism:

“Thank you for everything Scott. Our group has been so fundamental to building my relationship with Jesus and it’s been everything I was looking for and hadn’t found elsewhere. After my baptism I would love to talk about some ways that I can start serving the Lord and continue a more active role in our relationship.”

What can you do about this world? Change it, one person at a time.

---