“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
People living in this area would probably say that the weather this past week was very trying. We had sub-zero wind chills, single digit highs, freezing rain, snow and frigid, high winds. Businesses were closed, schools were closed and people were encouraged to stay off the roads. Events and activities had to be cancelled due to the weather. It was a tough several days.
But through all of that, the love of God shone through. Churches and other organizations stepped up to open warming stations. Here people without heat could sleep, shower and get a hot meal. Individual businesses delivered food, medicine and other supplies to those in need. Coworkers and some businesses helped people get to and from work safely; and for those that had to remain on the job, restaurants made sure they were open to provide meals to them, not just so they could make a profit, but to ensure that these folks did not go hungry while performing their duties.
We are reminded in Matthew 5:16 that by doing good deeds we are letting our light shine for Jesus. We are commanded to love others like Jesus loves us (John 15:12). Thanks be to God for such a loving and caring community that reached out without hesitation during a time of great need. Their concern for the needs of others and selfless actions showed the love of God at work. They may never know the impact they made on another’s life, but God sees it and they will be blessed (Matthew 25:35-40).
“Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”
1 Corinthians 13:13.