Community Care:
After attending the Northern Region Baptist Hui, and organising Reg Stewart’s funeral this week, it hit home to me once again just how important caring for one another is. Sometimes we get too busy with our work and our lives to pick up the phone and encourage/support someone or invite them over for kai.
In Christ’s hour of need at Gethsemane His mates fell asleep. Christ asked them, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” Mt 26:40. Our tiredness must never be a reason for us to neglect our fellowman. Christ’s compassion for the lost and hurting was so great that he often kept going, and going, and going, in ministry, like an Eveready battery! Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about self-care and taking time to rest and do things we enjoy. That’s important. But is it possible that we could take it upon ourselves to offer discipleship, friendship, mentoring, or support to just one other person this week? Maybe put it in your diary as a priority so that it happens 😊. Who has God placed on your heart?
Loving God and loving others are the highest commands by Christ (Mt 19:19; Mk 12:31; Lk 10:27). The Greek word for God’s love for humanity or the world is “agape” love. This love is sacrificial, in that it gives first and expects nothing in return. Have a read of “the Good Samaritan” that Jesus commended for truly helping a man robbed and beaten; Luke 10:30-37.
Being a Christ-follower 7 days a week requires effort, but the rewards are eternal. When God calls us home it’s how we’ve loved that He’s interested in, not what we’ve achieved in our work, hobbies, or finances. So come Holy Spirit and refresh us with the power of love. Love is God’s gift to us, so let’s both receive it freely and give it freely.
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.