Community
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'”
Matthew 25:35-40
Helping Others
Beloved congregation, today I want to speak to you about the profound calling we have to serve our community and those in need. As followers of Christ, we are not just called to believe, but to act. In Luke 3:10-11, John the Baptist powerfully reminds us: “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Our service is a direct reflection of God’s love. Hebrews 6:10 assures us that “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.” This is not just a suggestion, but a divine mandate to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.
Consider Isaiah 58:10, which promises, “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” We are called to be light-bearers, to bring hope to those struggling around us. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter, supporting families in need, or simply offering a helping hand to a neighbor, each act of kindness is an act of worship.
Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” We were never meant to do life alone. Our community is a tapestry of interconnected lives, and when we support one another, we demonstrate the very essence of Christ’s love.
Let us be intentional. Romans 12:13 challenges us to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This isn’t just about grand gestures, but about daily acts of compassion. It’s about seeing the image of God in every person we encounter and responding with love, mercy, and practical support.
As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You are not an accident. You are purposefully designed to make a difference in this world, to be a beacon of hope, to serve your community with the love of Christ.
So I challenge you today: Look around. Where can you serve? Who needs your help? How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community? Remember, when we serve others, we serve Christ himself.