I’ve come to see that we engage in service not because we learn about our neighbors (which we do), or because it makes us feel good (which it often does), or because we’re called to love our neighbors with all our hearts (which we are). We serve one another because, in doing so, we see a reflection of God in Christ. Engaging in service compels us to know God more deeply. God’s love is reflected when we hear someone’s story and share ours. We see God’s hope when people of different backgrounds and beliefs hold hands and sing.
I used to believe I was good at service. I still may be. But these days, I’m more concerned with opening my eyes to God’s light all around me and searching for the ways I can meet God in my neighbor – through conversations, listening, sharing a meal and singing songs. Today it’s not about me and what I do. Today I remember that it is God who is good.
This message is excerpted from “For the sake of our neighbors” by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller in the March 2020 Gather magazine.
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I was taken that this was written just before the world was shut down due to COVID, and being face-to-face or sharing meals was not possible. We have had to learn new ways to be with others and serve. How I rejoiced when we could actually see each others’ faces and smiles and share time and meals and sing again. Through those days of the pandemic and now coming back together we are finding new ways to see God’s light and goodness. Take care of each other.
I love this devotion! Read it a couple of times. We see a reflection of God in Christ when we serve others. It is God who is good.