Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.  1 John 3:18

EVERY year during the holidays, many people visit homeless shelters to serve the poor. If these servers are like me, they leave with soaring spirits and a new perspective on their material blessings. For years I was blessed to serve monthly dinner at a shelter, smiling and pouring drinks for the guests. But I needed more; I hungered for relationships with people in crisis.

Back when I could, I began worshiping at the shelter several times a week; we sang and prayed together, hugged, and shared our pains. Through these encounters the Holy Spirit blessed me profoundly. These people are just like me, and they came to realize I was just like them. We are a family of believers and seekers with many of the same obstacles to faith and grace, though we look very different. We find great comfort in knowing we support one another through our daily trials.

During his short time in ministry, Christ called us to be humbled by our sins and weaknesses but also to put into action the gifts God has given us, for God’s purposes. We are to love our brothers and sisters as Jesus loved those in need — up close and in person.

Heavenly Father, may the situations and people that break your heart, break our hearts. Amen.