Thomas A’ Kempis said, “A person who does much loves much; he does much who does it well; he does it well who serves the common good rather than himself.”
Later John Calvin said, "There is nothing in which men resemble God more truly than in doing good to others."
This should not be revolutionary stuff, but it often seems to be. The church in Jerusalem in Acts 2 and 4, not to mention countless other examples in the New Testament and throughout history to the present, offer countless examples of the love of God's people being translated into meeting the temporal and spiritual needs of people.
In those examples Christians sacrifice for each other and for those outside of the Church. They share generously. They love radically. They give without thinking of themselves. Compassion and empathy come natural to them. They are faithful, determined and they persevere no matter what the challenges that lie in front of them. And when they do so, Jesus is on full display.
Today, as in any other time in history, when these kinds of Christian examples are visible that is revolutionary to the world.
I know we don't have to think very hard to recall the times when Christians didn't show up. I know we can point out all the self-centeredness, greed, ugliness, etc. that has unfortunately been present when so-called Christians have shown up and Jesus was anything but visible in their lives.
I am interested in how we can make love and good deeds common and growing in our lives and in our churches.
How can we develop a growing desire on our part to meet the spiritual and temporal needs of others?
How can we make sure not to get comfortable with the status quo around us and, instead, envision a world where Jesus' principles and values take root?
How can we envision our role in that Jesus-centered world?
Where do we begin individually and as local churches together?
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