But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17

As my husband and I ventured in to the grocery store on Saturday morning, we were taken aback by how bare many of the shelves were. There were no eggs, no bathroom tissue, no disinfectant wipes, no rubbing alcohol, on any of the shelves.

As we completed our shopping, I noticed an elderly man, blind in one eye, with a small basket on his walker, trying to maneuver through the crowd. His health seemed to be in quite a weakened stat and he should probably should not have been out in public. It was also easy to see that he had very little in terms of possessions and was trying to stock up on as much as he could with the little that he had. Those around him were frustrated with his slowness. They were rushing, trying to get to those bare shelves before the guy behind them. And, I believe that in their hearts they would have pushed him out of the way, given the opportunity.

It wasn’t until we left the store, that I replayed that scene in my mind and realized all that had taken place in those 10 seconds that I noticed this gentleman. I continue to think of and pray for him. I regret that I wasn’t more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading because we probably would have filled his basket and drove him home. But alas, I was self focused. I will continue to pray for him.

I bet if we all played back our last few days at the grocery stores, we each passed by someone similar. We each walked by those in need. How many opportunities have you and I missed, to be the hands and feet of God, over the last week.

Regardless of the circumstances, we are all called to care for others. (Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4) & (So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; Colossians 3:12).

Regardless of the circumstances we are all called to love others (The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31).

Regardless of the circumstances we are all called to glorify God and point others to Him (In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven Matthew 5:16).

Brothers and sisters in Christ, times like these are when the world is looking to God and His people for answers, help, love and peace. We can’t afford to be self focused and self serving. Forgive me Father.

Jesus said that when we serve others we are serving Him (“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? ³⁸ And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:31-40).

Let’s serve our Savior today.

I pray that today we would look at our families, neighbors and even those in the grocery store and where there is need, I pray that we would be God’s hands and feet. I pray that we would be moved to compassion for those who can’t or shouldn’t leave there homes and we would reach out to them and meet their needs. I pray that we would inquire of people who seem to be concerned about the circumstances around us and would give them truth from God’s word to calm them. I pray that God would use us mightily to be a glory to Him and help others to seek and find Him. Holy Spirit lead us to do your work and please do not let one of those in need, slip by us.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, this is probably a concerning time for you. I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) right now, and pray the prayer that is outlined there. Jesus is the answer to your concerns and questions. He is the answer to your fear and heartache. He is the peace that you seek. And, He desires to meet your needs and comfort you.

Please pray the prayer found on that page and once you have, reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com and let me know so that I can be in prayer for you.

Luv Ya!