There is a hymn that we sing at church titled, “They Will Know We are Christians By our Love“. For some reason, that song keeps playing over and over again in my mind.
If you click above, on the title of the song, you will see a video showing people on international missions trips – working on construction sites, feeding the poor, as well as hugging the orphans. Of course, for those of you that know me, you know my heart draws close to those opportunities and life experiences. However, my mind does not keep playing that song over and over again because of those types of moments.
It is the holiday season – family, busyness, vacation, shopping, reflection, gift exchanges, food, music, cards, photos, picturesque landscape, parties, sledding, preparations, late nights, early mornings, concerts, celebrations, hustle and bustle, remembrance. Yes, it ALL comes together during this time of year.
This morning, my children were all excited about the first snowfall actually sticking to the ground. What a joy to see flakes falling as the wind pushed them side to side. How clean and fresh everything looks.
Then my mind turned again to that song – “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” There are so many people just 3 miles away in the inner city that did not feel joy at the sight of snow fixed to the ground. There are many sick and elderly that did not jump up and down with excitement at the picturesque view out the window.
And then other thoughts came rushing in:
I hope the waitress will sense Jesus’ love flowing through me
…and the store clerk
…and my neighbors
…and the toll booth worker
…and the maintenance man that comes
…and my children’s schoolteachers
…and the shopper that cut me in line
…
“God, show me what I can DO, but even as I wait for that revelation, help me to BE a radiant light that shows Jesus’ love every moment of every day.”
Colossians 4:5 (NIV) Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
November 19, 2008 at 2:06 pm
If you were arrested for being a Christian….. would there be enough evidence to convict you?
That quote came to mind as I read your post…. May they know we are Christians by our love…. May we provide evidence of our love of Jesus and our love of others.. so that others may see Jesus through our lives. I believe that showing this love to others especially during this busy season would be noticed by the frazzled store clerks, busy classroom teachers, etc. = )
This week in the dry cleaning store a lady stood frantically counting out pennies and quarters trying to gather enough to pay and get back to her car…… She was thunderstruck as the clerk told her it was covered. I had found out that it was but one dollar she was in need of. How simple a thing to help someone else. What a surprise it was to her to have someone willing to help her. There are many little things to do to reach out to others. Watch their reaction. Just being aware of how others are feeling during this season and doing little things to help….. causes them to pause and take notice. Sharing Jesus love. See how often you can do it… until it just becomes a natural part of your day!! = ) A family challenge…. of sorts… to share over dinner time discussions!! I bet it would be easy to get our kids on board… doing the same… focusing on sharing God’s peace, joy, and love especially during a frantic, hectic time in stores, school, etc. Just a thought.
Being aware of providing enough evidence to show who we belong to…
B
November 19, 2008 at 8:56 pm
What a great post, Kristin, and a great comment above. WOW! I love the reminder of BEING vs DOING. Sometimes I catch myself so grumpy because of all I am doing that I realize I am not being the person I want to be and that Christ wants me to be! Thank you for this reminder.
November 24, 2008 at 5:41 pm
When your husband’s sermon told about the atrocities against Christians in this country and then added, “We just heard that another pastor ws killed,” My heart was stirred so that the tears filled my eyes. At the end of the service, during a quiet time of music, several of us knelt at the altar rail. I could not control the tears. All I could think of were the many women and children who had lost a husband in such a horrific way. I pray that I can do something this month to help with these needs. We Christians in the states should be challenged to give up the costly Christmas parties and other frivolities, and for maybe the first time give up things that we spend so much money on here. I, for one, will take up that challenge – but only with God’s help.