My Bleeding Heart

So I have been thinking lately about this bleeding heart of mine. I have found myself wondering what exactly it is that makes me the kind of person who is willing to get out of bed at 3 in the morning to give a friend a ride when they get pulled over with a suspended license, or the kind of person who will be willing to listen to the troubles of a friend who hasn't spoken to me in years and try to help them, despite the person's selfishness. I give blood several times a year, despite my distaste for needles, to help total strangers. I am the kind of person who will drive out of my way to pick up a friend from the airport, train station, street corner, or where ever and give them a ride, not asking for gas money or expecting anything in return. I open up my home and room to people who need a place to stay and not expect compensation for my trouble. I am more than willing to give out of my excess, whether time, money, or resources, to help people who need it. But why?
It makes other people wonder too. My parents most of all. I don't say all this because it bothers me or because I want recognition or credit for my actions. I also do not claim to have obtained the utmost humility, but as I was pondering these things I came to what I think might be the conclusion. [Again I do not say this to be cocky or prideful] It's Christ-likeness. A very meager, pitiful, human attempt at Christ-likeness. I forgive people who hurt me, I help people who need me, and in my humanity I think this is good or that it makes me good. Christ does it so much better. He looks at the sinful, broken, dirty, prideful, selfish, stupid, lazy, lying, cheating, hateful, violent, careless people of this world-people like me-and he calls them his children. He knew that we would turn our backs on him, hurt him, and spit on his sacrifice, but he still chose to take our place and our punishment on himself.
It still amazes me. Whenever I see lives changed by this incredible love, it amazes me. I didn't deserve it. None of us deserve it. But still I look at my pitiful "sacrifices" like I have done something so noble. These things I do should be expected of me. It is the proper response to the love that has been shown me. I am truly blessed beyond belief and I appreciate any chance I have to share that blessing with others. I thank God for putting that in perspective for me.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35