Romans 15:25-27

The church at Jerusalem was suffering. The suffering had two main known causes. First, the religious Jews were persecuting Jewish Christians as heretics.  The second major cause was nationalistic Jews revolting against Roman rule. When the Jews revolted, the Romans found it difficult to distinguish between Christian Jews, traditional Jews and nationalistic Jews. Rather than try, they found it simpler to kill them all.

The Christians at Jerusalem were not the first, and would not be the last good people to suffer. The theological question of why good people suffer has caused people to write many books and preach many Sermons. Paul was not going to Jerusalem to investigate the cause of their suffering. He does not even address the cause in his letter to the Romans. He was going to Jerusalem to help those who were in need. He was very much aware that his own life would be at risk because of his actions. In spite of the danger, he was going anyway. The Christians at Macedonia and Achaia were not sending him on a fact-finding mission. They were sending him on a mission of mercy.  They could not go themselves, but they could use the material blessings that God had given them to make a difference.

When confronted with suffering, a Christian’s first obligation is not to debate the theological implications of suffering. There will always be a time and place for that later. A Christian’s first question is not “Why?” Our first question should be “What?” “What can I do to help?” The answer to that question will dictate our actions. Sometimes, we can do nothing; other times we can donate needed items and finances. Sometimes, we should stay away, and other times we should go and offer comfort.

The hungry Christians at Jerusalem appreciated hearing Paul preach. They appreciated it much more after he had given them food to eat. When a person is suffering, our actions are our testimony. Love is as quick to act, as it is to speak.