Why would Richard Gilder install a fire department gong in his bedroom? As the Tenement House Commissioner in New York City, he wondered what was causing so many fires. But he did more than wonder—he showed genuine concern. Whenever a fire broke out in one of the tenement houses, the alarm sounded and Gilder would rush off to investigate.

Do we have the same kind of concern for people who are starving, sick, and suffering from cruel oppression? And what about the multitudes who, without Jesus Christ, will spend eternity in hell? How concerned are we about their future? Do we share the compassion that motivated our Savior? (Matthew 9:36).

The apostle Paul had that kind of concern. He wrote in Romans 9:2, “I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.” He yearned for his fellow Jews to be saved.

Are we concerned enough to pray? We can all do that. Do we care enough to give? We can be faithful stewards and contribute to the ongoing work of the gospel. And what about witnessing? We can speak about our faith to a friend. We can write a letter, give out a tract, or perhaps send a book to some non-Christian acquaintance.

If we care, we’ll do something.  —VCG