Love the Least of Them: A Lesson from Cape Town

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

As we stood in the heart of Cape Town’s city center, we felt the weight of a 35% unemployment rate crashing in around us. The stares of desperation were like silent cries for help.

We stood out like sore thumbs with TOURISTS stamped across our foreheads as we took in the beauty and blemishes of the oldest city in South Africa.

The undercurrent of pain could be felt through the gazes of the people as we walked past them in the street. We were approached several times for change. I kept my eyes averted to avoid witnessing the hopelessness in their eyes. I can’t say the same for my husband. He couldn’t ignore the cries for help…he never can.

As I tried to keep walking in hopes that they would get the “message”, my husband would be a few paces behind listening intently and staring at me with the same look of desperation, silently gauging my thoughts on giving in to their requests. He always followed his heart, and emptied his pockets.

All I could think about was the advice of our driver and other locals who warned us about the condition of the downtown area (specifically after dark). As tourists, we were targets for those looking to score their next meal.

Although it was mid-day, we felt a little uneasy and had agreed to make our visit brief after browsing the local markets and having lunch (which was delicious by the way). We dined on the patio as we enjoyed the sounds of a local street band playing for tips.

Once we finished our meal, we headed back to wait for our shuttle in front of the visitor’s bureau. A kind man who was down on his luck approached us asking if we could help buy his kids something to eat. When my husband informed him that he didn’t have any more change, he asked if he could go with him to the corner store less than 100 meters away to buy them something. He kept saying, “I’m not a bad guy, I just need help.”

Again, my husband looked at me…I couldn’t believe he was even considering this! All the money in his pockets was gone, and I reminded him that we needed to stay close just in case the shuttle arrived.

I could tell he was torn. He finally gave in and pulled out his wallet in spite of my non-verbal warnings that this wasn’t a good idea. After digging out a few ran (the local currency), he handed it over and the gentleman thanked him and went on his way.

All I could think about when he pulled out his wallet was what could have happened if this guy, or someone else came along with ill intent.

Obviously we made it out unscathed and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our trip! However, once we made it home I couldn’t stop thinking about the few hours we spent in the center of Cape Town. Not because of the great food, or colorful representation of African culture, but because of the way I felt when my fellow brothers and sisters were crying out for help.

I started to question whether it was fear, selfishness, or just a lack of compassion that kept me from connecting with the people we encountered. Here I was avoiding eye contact with anyone who approached us because we were advised that once we did, they would see the fear in our eyes. They would know we weren’t one of them.

One thing I know about my husband is that he wouldn’t do anything to put us in a compromising situation, and he has a great deal of discernment when it comes to people. (okay, two things)

So what was it? Why was I so completely shut off to even considering extending grace to those we came in contact with? I had to look in that dreaded mirror of self reflection and question my motives. There was a horrible feeling in my gut, and the only way to to get to the bottom of it was to reach into the corners of my heart where I hide all the ugly stuff and shine the light of God’s truth.

I had to accept the hard realization that I had allowed fear to to take the fall for my lack of compassion. As a result, I missed out on several opportunities to share the love of Christ with my brothers and sisters in Cape Town.

When I let that soak in, really consider that I was that selfish, I am so ashamed. I wasn’t willing to drop my “survival mode” for even a few minutes to be open to the pressing needs around me.

When I think about what Jesus would have done, I know without a doubt He would have extended grace to everyone who approached him. No matter how dangerous, no matter what others had warned him about. His love would have transcended it all.

The word tells us;  “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me.” Matthew 25:40

Are we obligated to give to every person who asks something of us? I don’t believe so, but I do believe that our hearts should be receptive to the voice within us…that intuition that hits our gut so hard that we know without a doubt what we should or shouldn’t do.

I fell even deeper in love with my husband after witnessing the compassion he had for every person he encountered. I know they could see his light shining too. After all, they didn’t even approach me, they approached him. I was completely guarded and  he was the same open and honest man he always is.

I know many people have differing opinions on helping “beggars”, but the Lord used this experience in Cape Town to pierce my heart with conviction. As a result, I’ve been able to begin the work to heal some broken places within me.

The entire time I was avoiding facing them, and all the time it was me who needed to face myself.

What area of your life is God urging you to correct or improve? I challenge you to be willing to stare into that mirror and accept the reflection staring back at you. Whatever you see, be it bitterness, unforgiveness, envy, lack of self-control…own it. Then begin the work to transform that thing into the image of God.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

It’s up to us whether we choose to remain content in our own image, or strive to mirror His. My prayer is that you’ll choose the latter.