One of my life mottos are: If you really understand what Jesus had done for us on cross, you cannot, out of gratitude, but go and make a difference in other people’s lives.

I get a glimpse of, let’s call her Helen’s life. She didn’t actually want me to tell this story, because it’s not about her, and that’s why I won’t use her real name:

We initiated a project that supports five families on our congregation. When Covid happened, the number grew to 43 families that we help on and off, also within the boundaries of our congregation.

I myself am just an ordinary middleclass woman who realises how blessed she is.

Everything we provide to these people come from donations that we receive. But together with this, other things also popped up. I met a few homeless people along the way. They’re actually vagrants. And so, I started ministering the Word to them and I started to get to know them better.

Beautiful people with the most beautiful hearts! Life had given them such a bad deal that they’ve given up. Yes, they are dirty and they smell, sometimes stinking of alcohol and wearing the same clothes for days.

But I don’t care. I sit with them and listen to their hearts.

When I walk away, they say they have new courage and strength to carry on. All glory to our Father for that. In my eyes, I don’t do anything to change their circumstances, but my visit of an hour means the world to them. And the food package means food for a day or two, something to lessen their hunger.

I am so excited, because a few women from our congregation are now working with me to help these people.

I believe wholeheartedly that God will work through the alcohol and weed fumes!

Helen’s gratitude overflows into doing. She can’t stop herself from sharing what Jesus had given her with the people around her. And I realise our calling is not only to do good for others. We must also encourage fellow believers and make them excited about reaching out to others.

²⁴Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on ….

Let’s try and be like Helen. Let’s also do good and at the same time, we must encourage others, make them excited about going with us to make a difference in the lives of other people.

Scripture
Hebrews 10:19-25

Reflection
Do you reach out to others?
Does your reaching out motivate others to do the same?
Where can you mobilise others?

Prayer
Father, thank you for the privilege to serve others. Help me take hands with those around me so that they can serve others because they are grateful. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.