Sitting where Others Sit

Ezekiel 3:15 NKJV:
Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

You really cannot understand where a person has been or fully comprehend his position until you have sat in his seat or seen with his eyes. We make snap judgments about people without really taking time out to understand their peculiar circumstances and challenges. We assume we know much about them through their actions, words, conduct and company but we either forget or choose to ignore the largely unseen factors that motivate or inspire the things people do.
No man can truly reach out and minister effectively to people until you have met their need by identifying with their situation. How does a hungry man come to appreciate and accept a Saviour who can meet all his needs? How does a poor, homeless man listen to a gospel of hope that preaches a God who is a refuge and shelter? Who can bind up those who are broken-hearted? Who can console a mother who has just lost a child? These all need to the Saviour's comfort and help but these can only be achieved when we do out bit to alleviate their suffering and improve their conditions. Our mouth-confession really makes no impact until we have matched it with our heart-compassion. Nobody cares how much you know or can quote from the Scriptures until they know how much you care and how much of the scriptures you truly live out.
Practice true Christianity by pouring out God's investment in you into the lives of other people. His time of favour is here.