| Share |  |
 | |||
Loving the Lost
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we have hope." Romans 15:4
Please read Romans 15:1-21
Our hope, alone, is in Christ. It is His example that we are to follow.
There are many who will suffer through this Christmas season and New Year with deep heartache. Those who will be lonesome for companionship and the warmth of family. Many will sit longing to be in the clutches of tradition and merriment. There are many who do not know the reason for the rejoicing of the season and see it simply as a time of gift-giving and extravagance. How can those of us who understand the true meaning shed love and light into the lives of those who are longing?
Paul urges us in Romans to, “bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” I take that as a call to ‘love my neighbor as myself’, bearing all things in love.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Jesus Christ, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
I shudder to think of those, for whatever reason, who will be alone at this beautiful time. My heart is heavy for the widow, the orphan the prodigal. In all of my rushing and busy I must stop long enough to be still in the Lord. I must be obedient to His call on my heart…how can I be His hands and feet this Christmas? How can be light in the darkness. How can I share peace and joy with someone as they look forward to a ‘new year’?
I urge us all to step out of our comfort zone. Let us do something kind, not just ‘nice’. Let us be a willing and obedient vessel of the Lord. In being kind we will invite the lonely friend or neighbor to spend a precious moment savoring the love of Christ. Perhaps you are a gifted cook, take a meal. Perhaps you are an artist, make a lovely card or ornament. Perhaps you have the gift of just being and listening…lend an ear. However the Lord is leading you to care for His child, do it with a kind and good heart, with the love of Christ.
To God be the glory. When we do for the ‘least of these, we are doing for Him.’
What better a gift to the Lord, during the season of His birth, than to show His compassion on the lost?
Copyright © 2008-2015 Samantha Ewing
Post Your Comment...
|
|
||||||||||||
