Reach out in Love Today

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.  –Matthew 10:42 

During these tough economic times it’s encouraging to see people coming together for the cause of helping others who are in need.  Just the other day I was watching the local news and saw how that a medical relief agency is going into rural areas and offering free medical, dental, and eye care to people who otherwise could not afford it.  Food banks and benevolent organizations are also doing what they can to help those in need.  The needs are so great that these groups’ resources are truly being stretched to the limit. 

When I consider good the work these groups are doing I also have to think about the ministry we as individual Christians are to be involved with every day as we go through our daily lives.  Obviously no one person among us can feed every hungry person or assist all who need medical care, but we can join hands with others to reach and help as many as possible.  Indeed, we can accomplish so much more together than we can by ourselves.  Along with this, we can also be about the work of spreading the love of Christ as we go through each day.  All around us are people who have some physical need, but they also have personal needs as well. 

Who knows what the person you talk with today is facing.  The one who waits on you at the bank or grocery store may be facing some terrible personal struggle.  God forbid that we add to this person’s burden by being rude and hateful.  Try giving this individual a kind word of encouragement or at the very least a warm smile.  Doing so can be a wonderful demonstration of the love of Christ which is functioning in us.  Spread that love all around and never tire of sharing it with others. 

Do not forget today that kindness, compassion, grace, love, and mercy and never out of style and are always appropriate behavior for followers of Jesus.  Reach out in His name to those around us in any way possible. 

Some troubled soul is waiting to be blessed by you today.  Make the most of that opportunity, for blessing waits in doing so.