It sounds terrible.
It seems inadequate, maybe inappropriate...To do the very least.
"I heard about their divorce. I felt bad,
but I didn't know what to say. So, I haven't called."
"He's dying
from cancer. I was his best man at their wedding. I just can't see him
like that. So, I'm not stopping by. I want to remember him in better
times."
I don't know how you feel about reading those two
statements. They are true. I heard people say it.
So, what's the
very least they could have done?
Called.
Sent a note.
We clearly are not called to do nothing at all.
This is when
"The very least you can do" is better than doing nothing at all.
I have heard it called, "burden sharing." Biblical examples abound.
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor
one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10)
"Speak up for
those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are
destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and
needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9)
I'm not preaching here. I'm not a preacher. I am a man, a
human being who believes there is always something one can do even if it
is the very least.
Like the smile given freely.
The kind
word spoken.
Being there and not saying anything. Your presence
says it all.
The next time you see someone in need ask yourself,
"What's the very least I can do?"
Then do it.
Sometimes
the least you can do for someone is the most anyone has done...ever.