new church life: september/october 2014
If you're interested
in finding more
ways to practice
kindness, we
welcome you to
join us in our
newest Journey
Program,What
Would Love Do?
As conscious beings, there are so many
opportunities for us to help each other when
needs arise. There’s a profound story in the
Bible (Matthew 25:35-45) where Jesus reminds
His followers how to love others. He speaks of
those who are hungry, thirsty and sick, who
don’t have enough clothes, or a place to call
home, or are in prison. When we see these
people and help them and care for them, He
says, we are embodying the whole essence of
the Bible: to love God and love each other.
While those raw physical needs still exist
today, they remind us of needs that go even
deeper. We all have experienced times of
emotional fullness and emotional starvation.
We go through times when we’re hungry for love and someone gives us the
best hug. Or we’re thirsty for knowledge and someone offers a wonderful bit
of wisdom. Or we feel exposed and vulnerable and someone gives us just the
right words that bring comfort and protection.
Remembering times we’ve been helped during a time of need is great
incentive to pay it forward. When have others met your need with a good
deed? Maybe they gave some advice that you’ve never forgotten. Maybe they
helped you make a tough decision. Maybe they spent their whole day helping
you move boxes to a new home. Maybe they forgave you. Maybe they really
listened to you, and helped you feel understood. Maybe they allowed you to be
yourself when you felt unworthy. Maybe they gave you a hug or a smile when
you really needed it. How can you pass that gift on and help someone else feel
the way you felt?
If you’re interested in finding more ways to practice kindness we welcome
you to join us in our newest Journey Program, What Would Love Do? It’s a
seven-week curriculum that you can do either alone or with a small group.
The workbook offers ideas, inspiration and strategies for meeting needs with
helpful deeds. For more information, visit www.newchurchjourney.org
Sasha Silverman is a Content Developer at General Church
Outreach. For more information, visit www.newchurchjourney.
org. Contact: [email protected]
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