Love at the Intersection

So, when was the last time you drove past an intersection and saw a person holding a sign? Yesterday? Today? If you have a car and drive, you almost can’t leave your neighborhood without that experience. 

Jesus was right when he said, “The poor are always with you.” Sometimes they are just more visible. As people who are called to walk in love, it’s sometimes challenging to know what to do. As a fellow pilgrim, not an expert, I offer you the advice of Scripture and experience in approaching these beloved children of God. Especially if you are walking past, it’s essential to have a plan. 

• See the person, not the problem. Jesus was consistent in his approach to “problem people.” He saw the person first (Mark 10:21). 
• Pray for them. That’s easy and important - and we forget to do it! We don’t know the situation, but God does. The Bible teaches that our earnest prayers are effective (James 5:16)
• Go inward before you go outward. Jesus instructed his followers before they went out and served (Luke 9:1-6). We need to be guided too. Practicing inward listening teaches us to sense the Spirit's nudge and avoid the mistakes that come from acting impulsively (Galatians 5:25). Otherwise, we are prone to let our dysfunction lead us into trouble. I often tell myself, “You are not the Savior!” If I think it’s all up to me, I’m fixing to make a big mistake.
• Give something other than money. In the first church, a massive part of their growth was their generosity to the poor. Everyone shared food and resources. But they did it in a relationship. Giving money is much less effective than providing a survival bag with an invitation to join you at a supportive event. Remember what Peter said to the beggar "I have no silver or gold to give you, what I have is this..." (Acts 3:6) 

As winter approaches, we’ll have many opportunities to serve those who are food and shelter insecure. The tiniest gestures that recognize someone’s need and humanity mean so much. Thank you for magnifying the magnificent love of God at the off-ramps and intersections. Together, love is shining through.
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--Pastor Rebecca

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