Daily Power #275

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Phil. 2:1–2)

Events like 9/11, the Oklahoma City bombing, and Hurricane Katrina grab our attention and force us to wrestle with what we believe and why we believe it. They compel so many people to return to their faith and to seek God because there’s nowhere else to turn.

In times like these, as the body of Christ, we not only comfort and console those reeling from unexpected losses, but we also offer them real hope. By meeting their needs for food, water, medicine, and shelter, we can show tangible evidence of our love, concern, and connection with them.

But we must also keep in mind that we don’t have to wait until some tragedy occurs to serve those around us with the same compassionate, intentional focus. There’s no reason to wait until we share a major loss to come together as a community. We can demonstrate the love of Christ to our neighbors without any reason other than God’s desire to help those in need, comfort the hurting, and set free those enslaved by addiction.

I’m convinced this is the essence of obedience: loving one another. United in our faith and the Spirit of God, we are stronger than any of us could be as individuals. God’s presence lives among us as we reflect his generosity, grace, and glory. We are transformed and blessed as we give from our grateful hearts.

Power Lift

I want to connect with other people, Lord, and serve them with your love. Help me to unite with my brothers and sisters in Christ so that others will know the love of Jesus in their lives.