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Reaching Out with Love

  • June 21, 2019
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” – Romans 12:10-13

Summer break is here! At least if you’re a kid. This time of the year always makes me think about running around wild outside and having fun with my friends. But I also remember that feeling of being picked last. You know that feeling? You’re lined up and teams are being selected. At first, you’re so excited about the game and are maybe hoping to be chosen to be on a team with your best friend, or that one kid you know always wins, or with that boy or girl you thought was cute.

But as kids are picked, you’re passed over in round one. That’s fine. Maybe the next round. Then round two, three, four passes and as each kid gets picked before you, the feelings of dread, self-doubt, and anxiety grow. Before you know it, it’s down to you and one other kid. Then it’s just you. Rejection complete.

Where before you were excited about the game, now you feel left out. No one wanted you. You feel reluctant to even play. Why bother?

That feeling is the worst. But then I remember that kid who extended a hand to me. Whose enthusiasm and excitement to have me there was infectious and got me excited about playing again.

Let’s be that hand reaching out to those around us who are feeling rejected, alone, and isolated. Let’s view those around us as our brothers and sisters, because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and love them accordingly. God has loved us perfectly. He sent His son Jesus to die and rise again, defeating death and the devil and giving us the promise of salvation. He was the first to reach out His hand. Paul is right that we should be “joyful in hope.” How amazing is God’s love for us?! Let it shine. Let it radiate out. Let’s love and serve God by loving and serving those He has placed around us. When challenges arise for those around us, let us reach out to help. Show them His love. We are never alone in life because God has not left us alone in death.

 

Devotion by Caitlin McCallum

LSEM Donor Relations Specialist