Romans 15:4-13
Endurance, encouragement, acceptance, hope – words from today’s scripture that gave me pause, in light of the overwhelming needs in our community. I read it a few times thinking Paul made it sound too easy. I thought about those who are struggling. How would they hear these verses? Finally, it was Verse 13 (NIV) when I felt he was speaking to me. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” I went to God in prayer asking for joy and peace, and help in trusting more deeply, so that I could find ways to give others hope. And then my phone rang.
A friend was setting up a food pantry in his restaurant. Nick also created a new menu item, giving it a ‘code name’ so when people order it, there will be no charge. Wow! Nick was doing something tangible that I could assist with to bring hope, and maybe even some joy, to others. (Thank you, God, for your quick response.) I have long admired Nick for his humble generosity but admired him even more for finding a way to serve while respecting people’s pride and need for confidentiality.
I wanted to act right then. After dropping off my donation I saw a young mother and her son enjoying the ‘special’ at a table outdoors. The little guy looked at me with a big smile, “This is so good. It’s the best.” His momma nodded and said, “You were so hungry, weren’t you.” Then she looked at me saying, “I saw you brought food. Thank you. I think we will pick up some of those fruit cups and probably a little more.” And then as if she thought she needed to justify those remarks, she added, “Can I tell you our story?” Out of respect for her little boy, she was careful with what she said, but shared that her husband was unexpectedly laid off, along with many others. She was furloughed from a federal job where her salary was on the low end of the pay scale, and she hadn’t received her latest paychecks yet. She was hoping she would still have a job when the furlough lifts. They have another child who is in a special needs program in grade school and requires medical support. They live paycheck to paycheck but never expected this. She and her husband are picking up odd jobs to try to pay rent and utilities. She kept interjecting, “but I know there are so many others who have it much worse. We will pay this forward when we can.”
After hugs all around, I gave her my number. As I was driving home, I was sad that she thought she had to justify her need. I thought about our text, especially Verse 5 (NIV), “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
We can find strength and support as we come together to find ways to serve. Need transcends differences and barriers. Through unity we can act, serve, and advocate by lifting our voices. You know the impact we make when we find concrete ways to stand together in our faith. Verse 7 further emphasizes the theme of acceptance, urging believers to mirror Christ’s acceptance of them in their interactions with one another. “Accept one another just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Judge not. No one needs to justify their need to God or to us. God already knows. We don’t deserve to know. In a society where differences can lead to strife, fostering cooperation and mutual respect cannot be overstated.
“We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord. And we pray that our unity will one day be restored. And they’ll know we are Christians by our Love, by our Love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our Love.” Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- How can you respond to someone’s needs in a respectful and loving way?
- What can you do this week to bring light into someone’s darkness?
Prayer:
Lord, we are so blessed to be in a community Iike Lincoln that finds countless ways to serve others, and to be part of a church family that responds to local and global needs. Help our actions bring endurance, encouragement, acceptance, and hope to all. Amen
Login To Leave Comment