Jesus In Your Neighborhood

Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

1 John 3:17

Several years ago, on its nightly newscast, one of the three major television networks invited viewers to submit stories of people helping people during the difficult economic recession—and they received far more examples than they could ever broadcast.

If you knocked on the doors of all the homes in your neighborhood, you would likely find a high percentage of families or individuals who have been hit with hard times. Perhaps unemployment, illness, loss of life savings or other funds, broken relationships—tragedy touches almost everyone at some point. What marvelous opportunities to manifest the love and compassion of God to those who need it most! In His ministry Jesus reached out to everyone, and He wants us to do the same.

Sow the seed of service in your neighborhood. Even if you are going through a hard time, you can still offer a word of encouragement or a helping hand to those in need. And perhaps share the love of Christ if they ask you why.

If you want your neighbor to know what Christ will do for him, let your neighbor see what Christ has done for you.

HENRY WARD BEECHER