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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, who walked this earth knowing our pain and joy. 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 know God’s grace when we share a meal and break bread together. 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.