Good Morning Pastor!
I just returned from Mexico. I am always deeply touched by the people. Many have so little but smile from deep within that touches each other’s lives. There is something very heavy about the lives we live in America. We seem to have too much to carry!
As you prepare for another week, think of those who have less in your congregation. Too often they are forgotten and/or even treated shamefully in the church. I can remember my own efforts to encourage a family where the husband really didn’t make much money and they were always in need of assistance by the church. I felt like he really didn’t make the effort to better himself and, therefore, we became less open to giving him or his family things. I have always believed in the old saying, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” It sounds good in theory but what about the person who can’t learn? My expectations for this person were neither fair, kind nor Godly. Did I want to help him? Yes! Was he able to be helped and make the changes to improve his lifestyle? Probably not.
Jesus said we would always have to poor among us. At this stage of my life I think I understand that better than ever. So, pastor, I want to encourage you to reconsider any negative attitudes that you may have toward any of the less fortunate people in your congregation. Your expectations of them may be a lot higher than God’s is for them! I say, “Lighten up and lov’em up!” Most people in life just need a lot of unconditional love and kindness, including you, me and especially the poor.
So, if you want to have a great week, go do something or give something to the less fortunate in your congregation, neighborhood or community this week.
And good grief, “Lighten up and Lov’em up!”
Striving To Do God’s Will,
Lyn Sahr
Prov. 3:13
