While strolling downtown Knoxville toward Gay Street, Pastor Carl Grosse and his wife passed a panhandler. Though he had long stopped giving money directly to panhandlers, Grosse paused, dropped a dollar into the man’s hat, and felt a profound shift.
From Revulsion to Recognition
Grosse admits he once lived a hard‑knocked life, scavenging for discarded goods. The sight of the panhandler stirred a mix of disgust and rationalization—feelings he describes as a “progressive disease” that can cause people to stop seeing others as fellow humans made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). He confesses that many of us mask this dehumanization with superficial charity, but true compassion requires seeing the person behind the circumstance.
The Antidote of Humanity
Engaging the panhandler, even briefly, reminded Grosse of the biblical truth that every individual reflects the Creator’s likeness. The dollar he gave became “a small price to pay for the beginning of healing”—both for himself and for the man on the street. He urges readers to examine who they might be failing to see as fellow humans: political opponents, illegal immigrants, church members, bosses, or coworkers.
A Call to Reconcile
Grosse frames the Kingdom of God not as a collection of self‑satisfied individuals, but as a community where the prodigal son returns and the elder brother joins the celebration, healed by the Father’s love (Luke 15). He cites 2 Corinthians 5:18, reminding believers that reconciliation is a ministry given to all Christians.
He asks readers to let that healing begin in their own lives, encouraging them to extend genuine, Christ‑centered compassion to those they might otherwise overlook.
About the Author
Dr. Carl Grosse is an ordained pastor and author of the weekly “Faith Along the Way” reflections featured on KnoxTNToday. His writings aim to help readers recognize God’s presence in everyday moments and share His love with others.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
