Share more than turkey at Thanksgiving

Genuine love is expressed not only in word but in deed. St. James writes, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?’ In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

Thanksgiving is a time for us to thank our Creator for His daily provision for all we need to support our body and life. It’s also a time for us to praise our Saviour for His sacrificial death on the cross and all the subsequent fruit that springs forth from the cross into our lives.

Thanksgiving provides us the opportunity to thank God for His bountiful gifts not only in word, song, and prayer, but also by sharing His gifts with those in need. How might we love not only in word but in deed?

• Invite a lonely university student(s) to your home for Thanksgiving supper (and invite him/her to your Thanksgiving worship service!) and continue to foster a relationship with the student(s).
• Volunteer to serve a Thanksgiving dinner at a local food shelter and continue to serve at the shelter throughout the year.
• Visit a friend who is in hospital or have supper with a loved one confined to a nursing home and continue making weekly visits to that friend or loved one.
• Working with a local public school, organize a clothing exchange; provide the school with “lunch” items (Mr. Noodles, juice boxes, granola bars) for students who “forget” their lunches; and discuss with the administration how you can partner with them throughout the year.

Ideas and opportunities for putting God’s love into action are endless! Share ways that you (and your congregation) are involved in God’s grace of giving to the community!

Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaeffer is the executive assistant to the president responsible for Outreach in the ABC District

Advertisement

Explore posts in the same categories: Uncategorized