The other day, after working out at the gym, while walking to the truck, two men asked me if I knew where they could take a shower. I walked with them into the gym and the person at the front said they could take showers there. I asked them if they needed toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, etc., and they said they could use some. We gave each of them a gallon zip lock bags full of toiletries, socks, snacks and water. They were grateful. We went home to make lunch and decided to take the two men lunches. We hurriedly put together sandwiches, chips, snacks, and drinks and arrived back at the gym just as they were leaving. I walked up and handed them the lunches and one of them asked, “What church are you from?” Without thinking or hesitating, I replied, “The Church of Here and Now.” They both smiled.
We have been reaching out to those in need for over seven years. When reaching out to people in need, offering supplies such as toiletries, food, water, etc., we do it for the glory of God, not for the glory of people. Matthew 6:2 (NLT) says, “When you give to someone in need, don’t do as they hypocrites do ─ blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But, when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give you gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” I’m sharing this particular encounter as an encouragement to become the Church of Here and Now by reaching out in kindness, compassion, and love during this time when we need it more than ever.
We are The Church of Here and Now! We need to step out in faith and represent who we are in Christ. So many people need us now more than ever. Love is not just an emotion; it is “the answer” to all the problems we face today. First Corinthians 13:4–7 (NLT) says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
Today, we are seeing more hate and darkness than we could have thought possible. What are you doing about it? Are you stepping out in faith and letting your Love Light shine?
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