My father, a World War II veteran, never ventured more than six blocks from his birth home in East Cleveland, Ohio, until he was fifteen. Yet his heart traveled far beyond his feet. Dad would give a stranger the shirt off his back or find a meal for anyone who went hungry. We didn’t have much, but my brothers and I always felt safe and blessed. Dad never compromised his faith in God or his duty as a father.
In 3 John 5-8, believers learn to welcome strangers and send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. A warm meal, a coat, or a bed can become an act of worship. I cannot imagine sleeping on a park bench or piling tree branches to shield a nearly frozen face from blistering wind. Many of our homeless battle mental illness or addiction. Their struggles never erase their dignity as children of God.
As the Body of Christ, we pool resources and lend our hands to lift up the less fortunate. That care sets the Church apart from a cold and careless world.
Saint Paul writes that God “has called us through the Gospel, to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:14). We reach that glory by serving all of God’s people, those society welcomes, and those society avoids. The man muttering on the street corner bears the same divine image as the neighbor in the next pew.
The psalmist promises, “Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just” (Psalm 112:4). My father carried that light into every room he entered.
So, be kind to one another. Honor your parents. Look after the elderly. Step beyond your comfort zone and carry the love of Christ to someone in need this week. Somewhere tonight, a stranger waits for the light.
Let Us Pray:
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Everything is going to be all right. God knows you’re tired and that you’ve done your best. God is making a way for you right now. Don’t give up. You are going to make it, no matter what it looks like right now. Remember: God is working behind the scenes for your good. He didn’t bring you this far to leave you. Trust in God. (Author Unknown)
