Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
matthew 25:37-40
It was wonderful to have Josh, our HOPE ministry deacon, share with us on Sunday about his journey and how God led him to make care packages. For me, it was a very real reminder of one of the most basic calls in the Bible–to care for the least of these, those who live on the margins of society.
At Lifespring, the majority of people in the church family have been blessed to live a fairly comfortable life. It’s likely that many of our friends and people who we interact with daily have also lived lives that are comfortable. It can become so easy and even natural for us to overlook those who may be struggling in life. We may even become judgmental of people we see on the streets.
Most people in our city are inclined to wind up the window when they see a person at the side of the off ramp, or just walk by when they see a person on the street asking for change. But God calls us to treat others differently. We are to take notice of the person on the side of the road, instead of just walking by. We are to have compassion, instead of judging others.
The care packages we made yesterday can help to make life a little bit more comfortable for those who are struggling with difficult circumstances in life. But the packages do more than that. They’re also an opportunity to show someone that we care about what they’re going through. Even more, we hope that the tracts and Daily Bread in the pack will help to communicate that God cares about what they’re going through. It’s this exact kind of care that many people who are on the street simply don’t get enough of.
I remember going with a group from our church one winter to ICC, the ministry in Parkdale that Yvette used to run. I had brought along one care package that I hoped to give out to someone who might need it that night. A young man came into the church that day, and asked me specifically for a pair of gloves. I immediately took out the care package, asking him if he’d also like a pair of socks and a snack too. I ended up having a good conversation with him that night, and even had the chance to share the gospel with him.
We never know what a simple act of kindness can do, especially for a person who may often be ignored by others on a daily basis. May each care package that is given out this fall and winter communicate the care of the church and the love of God.