At a time when I had been so disappointed in the corruption and darkness of this world, God gave me time to rest and watch His people do His work. He showed me His hands and feet through friends, family, neighbors and my church family! I have been overwhelmed by the acts of kindness my family has been shown during our bout with Covid. Overwhelmed by the many meals, grocery runs, cards, food, calls, texts and especially the prayers! Even a special Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day dinner was delivered! The smiles, as you waved through the door, were so special. Many checked on my mom and took her food while I could not. So many people are going through hard times and it is so wonderful for them to see Jesus through the actions of others. When you are praising God, your heart cannot be troubled!
Ephesians 2: 10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We are all called to be ministers. I read there are 58 phrases in the Bible regarding, “love one another,” “care for one another”; “help one another” and “support one another”; etc. That is what God intends for us to do. Even Jesus came to be a servant. Mark 10: 45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness. He went out of His way to talk to the woman at the well. He healed lepers. He washed His disciple’s feet. And the ultimate sacrifice, He died on the cross for our sins.
Scripture calls us to serve others in love. Galatians 5:13, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” A servant’s heart helps others without expecting something in return. They serve in appreciation of God’s gifts they have been given. 1 John 3: 18, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” These experiences inspire us to be better than we are. I am reminded of Proverbs 27: 17, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Every knife becomes dull with use. A knife won't sharpen itself. Nothing weaker than iron can sharpen iron. A godly friend can sharpen us in the areas where they are strong. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us of this. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” We are to continuously grow as a Christian which means it is important to choose friends who will help sharpen us.
A real friend is able to meet our spiritual needs through prayer. They have faith and believe God is in control and remind us of this truth. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” We are told in Hebrews 6: 10, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” You will be rewarded in Heaven. I leave you with Philippians 1: 3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.”