We think that loving our international neighbors means giving money to relief work or supporting sustainable agricultural projects. We think that loving our local neighbors means volunteering at a food pantry.
When we focus our efforts to love others on the problems of others, we forget why our neighbors suffer poverty or other injustices in the first place. To truly love those in need, we also must acknowledge our own need for transformation.
God showed us how to love in truth and action, not just in word or speech. We can love in truth and action, despite our fears, because of the creative, redeeming, and sustaining work of God.
This message is adapted from “Joining voices as one” written by Sarah Stadler-Ammon that first appeared in the May 2006 issue of Café magazine.