“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” (Matt. 25:37)
Marvin carefully packed the donated food into a cardboard box for Jamie, a single mother who visited his church’s food shelf each month. Jamie’s family had struggled ever since her husband lost his life in a car accident, and she was grateful for the assistance. However, over time she had become curious and wanted to know more about the church. Summoning her courage, she asked Marvin, “Why do you do this every month? You could be relaxing at home.”
Marvin was quick to reply, “Jesus has done so much for me, and I want to share His love with others.” Jamie was taken off guard by Marvin’s boldness but took time to learn more about Jesus. Eventually, she met Christ for herself and even volunteered at the food shelf that had made such a difference in her own life. When a guest of the food shelf asked her, “Why do you do this?” she replied, “Jesus has done so much for me.”
Reaching out to touch people at the point of their need in ministries, including food distribution, can open the door for the message of the gospel. Jesus called himself “the bread of life” (John 6:35). Something as simple as a box of groceries, given in love, becomes the platform to share an even greater experience—the joy of knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Look for simple ways to share the love of Christ with others.
Paul Zinter serves as a substitute teacher. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
