Have you ever been blessed by someone unexpectedly? I’ve had anonymous gifts arrive in the mail, spontaneous baking from neighbors, an email from someone encouraging me regarding my writing, and probably far more mercies on a daily basis than I’ll ever realize. The impact of someone deliberately taking time out of their lives to reach out and bless in words and actions stays with you.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports 40.6 million (12.6%) of Americans have a disability. How could you make your church services or your home accessible for those with additional needs, learning and/or physical disabilities over the Christmas celebrations? Can you plan to welcome those with physical and learning disabilities as a part of the community after these celebrations end?
Joni Eareckson Tada’s ministry
5 Ways the Church Can Reach People with Disabilities
Do you know your neighbors? According to a Pew Research survey conducted in 2018, 57% of Americans say they only know some of their neighbors. Age also plays a factor, where those aged 65 and over are more likely to know most of their neighbors (34%), compared to those aged 18-29 (20%). Sadly, 23% of those under 30 don’t know any of their neighbors at all.
Christmas and Easter are busy times for the church. However, the pastor of your church is busy throughout the year ministering to the needs of many, sharing the good news of Jesus, supporting their own family (who are also supporting the church in many sacrificial ways), and interceding in prayer for their congregation, the community and the nation.
Remember that those who are contending for the faith will be a target for the enemy and spiritual attack is inevitable. Express your gratitude to pastors by faithfully praying for them, affirming them, and supporting them practically in whatever way you can. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Let’s be an encouragement to those who are faithfully serving their congregation and community all year round, not just at Christmas.
Loving our neighbor as ourselves is the second commandment, but loving God comes first. Ask God to soften your heart, forgive them as God has forgiven you (remembering that whilst we were still sinners, Christ died for us), and ensure no root of bitterness springs up (Hebrews 12:15).
When Jesus was asked by an expert in the law “who is my neighbor?,” Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan who stopped to help a man who was attacked by robbers (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan looked after the injured man, treated his wounds, put him on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, paid for it and then offered to cover any expense accrued. This is radical love and hospitality. The parable is a challenge for those of us who want to be like the good Samaritan, but maybe relate more to the priest and Levite in the story who crossed to the other side to avoid the injured man.
He is a cross pendant.
He is engraved with a unique Number.
He will mail it out from Jerusalem.
He will be sent to your Side.
Emmanuel
Bible Verses About Welcoming ImmigrantsEmbracing the StrangerAs we journey through life, we often encounter individuals who are not of our nationality......
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