The Body

If you've spent any amount of time in a church setting it becomes apparent very quickly that people who claim to call themselves Christians are really broken. Sin seeps in and penetrates us all and when that happens things can get ugly. James Taylor has a song "You've got a friend" and these lyrics keep coming to my mind... " people can be so cold, they hurt you and desert you, they take your soul if you let them... yeah but don't you let them..." We become closed, distant and build up walls against people in and outside the faith.

My experience these past few weeks has been completely the opposite of this. I have watched people rally around my family during this very dark and challenging time. I have humbly received the outpouring gifts and talents of believers all over this city, country and yes even around the world. Prayers going up around the clock, money being given freely, meals prepared lovingly, special personal gifts given, children being watched, house projects getting done, giving up vacation time to do a biopsy, doing a surgery free of charge, sending packages, making beautiful artwork, and cards filled with words of comfort and encouragement. This is the body of Christ at work. This is beautiful. I can literally FEEL love coming down from heaven when every person out of joy and obedience offers up their personal gifts.

And by the way, it all makes a difference, every little tiny offering. Nothing is too small.

There have been times in the past when I had hesitated or given up on doing something for someone because I thought it was too little. I could only give a few dollars, or write a little note, and it seemed silly to even do that. I know now that that thought is so evil and EVERY little thing that we can do to bless or encourage someone who is going through a hard time makes a difference. So take a minute to pray, make that phone call, text that friend, write that card, give that little $5.00 gift, make that quick meal, and know that when you choose to give and help, you are actually being the hands and feet of Christ. You are showing people around you that even though you might be broken, and we all are, that you are the child of our heavenly Father.

I have physical needs, and every one of them is being met. I know that God's love is working and I needed to see that love in action. I needed to SEE that He loves me. They will know we are Christians by our love....

'Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.' Romans 12:9-13

Its easy to go looking for all the corruption and greed that makes its way through the church doors. We see hypocrisy, broken promises, hatred, and judgement... but I see the many members of the body of believers using their gifts to show me the love of Christ and this is real and this is beautiful. 

Thank you for being the hands and feet of my Savior to encourage a sister who needed to see and believe this truth. I love you.