"Whoever cares for the poor makes a loan to the Eternal; such kindness will be repaid in full and with interest." Proverbs 19:17 The Voice
Faced with a crisis seemingly from every side... the aftermath of the hurricane in the Gulf Coast, a plague of international consequence, and the decline of reason and wisdom in our nation's elected officials... brings us to our knees in prayer. We gasp in disbelief as our government drifts away from the humanitarian heart that has always marked its greatness and now has resulted in the crisis in Afghanistan. Such times call those who love God to unite in spirit and purpose. It points us to more deliberately exercise kindness and to follow Christ's example of serving our brothers and sisters in distress.
Rather than fretting over what "might have been" or clinging to future hopes, we of the kingdom of God are called to rise to meet the present and demanding needs before us. It is the day to "prefer one another in love" in practical ways. It is the time to be a shining light in darkness.
The heart of the Gospel message is this:
"For God so loved the world that He gave..." John 3:16
As ambassadors of Christ's mercy, we are called to mirror His love and grace. Indeed, by providing shelter, clothing, food, and interceding for those in need, we make "loans to God". Whether our giving is as volunteers who rescue and rebuild, through providing goods and charitable donations, or as intercessors standing in the gap for the sick, the persecuted, and the hungry and hurting, each act reveals the heart of the Gospel message to the glory of God.
To everyone who steps up to be the ambassadors of God in these troubled times, know that the Lord who sees your acts of compassion and mercy done in secret will reward you openly. Expect showers of blessing to come your way. "Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 The Message