This is the month where many, if not most people, celebrate love. We would like to also celebrate love this month, the love of God. Actually, we endeavor to share the love of God all the time – but this past week, we were reminded of how very much it is needed.
In our area, this winter has been unlike anything we have seen in a long time. We have had extreme cold temperatures, snow and ice storms. During these times, I can’t help but think about and pray for those who have no home. While come may say many of those folks made bad choices, my heart still breaks for them. Their choices are not mine to judge. My part is to show them the love of God and extend that love in ways that make a difference in their lives.
One day last week, we drove to Cleveland to run some errands for the ministry. While there, we decided to drive through Chick fila to grab some lunch. As we pulled in Breanne said, “Mom, did you see that man?” Looking around and seeing nothing, I said, “No, what man?” She replied, “The one with the sign that said, I am hungry, I wonder if he will still be there when we get through the line?” I didn’t see anyone, so I let her know that I wasn’t sure since I didn’t see him at all.
Bre ordered him a meal, we paid and pulled out of the parking lot. She was looking around for this man. He was nowhere to be found. She drove around for a bit looking for him. Finally, she turned around and headed back to where we were going, or so I thought. After heading back the other way, she turned again, refusing to give up on this man. Finally, I looked down an embankment to the walking track and saw a man leaned against the embankment. “Is that him?” I asked. “Yes!” Bre said and pulled in as close to him as she could get.
She carried the hot bag of food to him along with a drink. When she came back to the vehicle, she was quiet for a while. She said, “I’ve never seen anyone so happy to have food. Usually, people are angry that you give them food instead of money, but he was so thankful for the food.” It really touched her heart, and she couldn’t get him off her mind.
As a ministry we have always assembled bags that we could hand out to people who are homeless or even in need of warmth or a meal. We have done this for many years. However, that day, Bre said, “We have to get some things for people and ramp up our giving this month.”
This is what we desire to do to celebrate love this month. Over the years many of our partners have sent in things to help give to those in need. We have received bibles, scarves, hats, gloves, hand warmers, toothbrushes, shampoos, soap and more. For those things we are thankful.
We just went through another weekend of harsh weather and ice. My thoughts again turn to people just like this man who was hungry and cold. We have to do something to help. We can’t change everything, we can’t feed everyone, but we are determined to do what we can.
I wanted you to know that you, those of you who are our partners, are feeding the hungry. Clothing the naked. Bringing warmth to those who are cold and lonely. And you are giving them hope. I want these folks to know God hasn’t forgotten about them. He loves them and they are valuable to Him.
Jesus didn’t just die for you and I, He died for them too. He had a lot to say about how we are to treat the poor among us.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. (Prov 19:17)
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. (Prov 22:9)
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. (Prov 14:31)
For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ (Deut 15:11)
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. (Prov 28:27)
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)
The last scripture is my favorite – the feeling and satisfaction we get from giving to the poor is wonderful and pleasing to the Lord.
My friends, this month as you are celebrating love in your life, remember those who feel unloved and lonely. Remember your neighbors who may live alone, consider the widows and those who have gone through loss. Look around and find someone who needs to feel loved who wants to know they matter and bless them.
Also, if you would like to sow a seed toward feeding the hungry or filling the bags for the homeless, put a note on your donation this month and we will make sure that is where it goes. Let’s share the love, His love!
