I’m starting to hear reports of how community groups are folding acts of missional compassion into their regular rhythms—and my goose bumps are popping.

Mark Ossinger’s group, for example, reached out to Richmond Beach ReHab, an organization in their neighborhood that helps all manner of hurting people get back to full vitality. The woman coordinating the volunteer programs nearly broke down in tears when this mob of smiling ready-to-serve Mars Hillians showed up for orientation. Turns out, the organization’s regular pool of volunteers had completely dried up to the point of possibly canceling a Christmas giving program. Now, the program is saved! Can you say after-school special?!

Of course, doing compassion is not all daffodils and butterflies. There are obstacles—lots of obstacles. Even for Ossinger’s group, the requirements to volunteer include two rounds of TB shots and submitting to background checks (any wonder why Richmond Beach ReHab was running a bit short on help?). I know many others out there are also realizing just how difficult this piece of biblically required discipleship can be. The scheduling. The facilitating. The administrating. The reticence of our own hearts. It all adds up to a major headache.

So here’s your dose of extra strength Tylenol: Jesus. He’s why we’re doing this. We’re not in it to get rid of guilt. We’re not out to score public relations points for Mars Hill. And we’re not interested in trying to earn God’s favor. No, we’re just looking to be faithful Christians and to do the real thing. As James says, pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit orphans and widows in their affliction. Go!