We are “being the Church” when we come alongside our brothers and sisters in need. It’s simply the flow of the Life of Jesus from us to others.
Elaine and I were planning to make some chicken-noodle soup for a FB friend who has major health issues. We’ve been touched by her pain, her persistent testimony for Jesus, and the continued, generous care of her overworked husband. We know how good that soup is on a Covid-restless stomach because a friend brought us some when we were hit last December.
Well, preparations were underway when I read this message: “Hi Ken, Has Elaine started the soup yet? Tonight, a group of people from our church came to visit and brought an unbelievable amount of food to us. Crazy amount. So very kind of them. Anyway, would it be ok to hold off again? We certainly do not want to waste any food and we are so looking forward to meeting you both.” (Excerpts)
Is there a predicament here? NO! There is the testimony of friends who know what it means to be the Body of Christ and it ‘bout brings me to tears. I’d guess that encouragement, laughter, “catching up” and maybe even prayer and some tears were part of their time together. And now there’s opportunity for us to share our soup with others – – and when the time comes we’ll make more!
This is a beautiful example of fellowshipping (partnering) with others in their need and I’d be sure that both the givers and the receivers were blessed. That’s just the way it works when Jesus is there.
So whether it’s taking food, mowing someone’s yard, watching some kids or whatever – – it’s “being the Church.” It matters and we’ll need more and more of it as “the time” gets closer.
As Paul wrote in Gal. 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” kjv
“The Tainted Ones, 2” next. Probably.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
June 10, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable pdf
Sweet message Ken.
We had an encounter with such gracious people. Without asking ahead and driving 20mins to our home with log splitter on his trailer – a “brother” came to cut fire wood for us last winter. We were so grateful. The true hands and feet of Jesus are doing things like what you shared and what our Christ-in-friend did. And it doesn’t take much to be like Jesus – just open our eyes, be compassionate and Go do.
Oh, so very true. May it be so among us more and more! Thank you.