Serving others is being the hands and feet of Jesus, building up the body of Christ.
When we're nudged by the Holy Spirit to reach out to someone, that is extending the love of Christ in a tangible way.
It may look like hefting a full crockpot up the stairs and offering it to a friend during a time of need.
It may feel like an awkward embrace and a whispered message of encouragement.
Sometimes it may look like mowing a neighbor's yard or helping them move.
It may be a simple text and a photo of sunshine, sending encouragement to friend.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Each of these small gestures is a way of encouraging one another, acknowledging a person's struggle and validating emotional reactions.
We aren't offering solutions, just support.
Sometimes we are the recipient of these gestures of kindness. This may feel way more awkward than being the giver.
It may look like hesitantly opening up your door and opening up your hands to receive a crockpot of soup and a loaf of bread.
It may smell like the enticing aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in your oven that a dear neighbor made ahead of time for your family so it lessened one more thing you had to do on a tough day full of emotions.
It may feel like a tight hug and brief word of encouragement that you really need to hear.
It may look like stacks of clean dishes that a sweet friend washed for you during a family lunch after a memorial service.
This circle of sharing is the fabric of community, knitting us together as we share resources like they did in the early days of the church.
Offering support out of genuine concern for one another is the glue that sticks us together as a church community. How powerful an impact we can have if we join forces with one another, sharing our own special gifts to meet the needs of our congregations.
This template can help clarify your personal focus and maybe even help rally your women's groups.
The Acts of Service or Loving Your Neighbor reference lists may be a good resource for you.
Once you get started, you may be inspired to do other pages along this same idea.
Let's Spur One Another On !!
New template:
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