What Love Does
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:16-18
This past Wednesday was our special Christmas dinner and gift-giving to those who come to CCDC. In spite of the cold, rainy weather, we had a great turnout. We served over 140 meals and gave away warm clothing, gloves, socks, scarves, and hats. We had a tremendous response from those we served and provided the gifts. The people were so grateful.
We also gave out to everyone a book by Max Lucado titled, A Love Worth Giving to You at Christmas. In it, Lucado writes, “He went from commanding angels to sleeping in straw. From holding stars to clutching Mary’s finger. The palm that held the universe took the nail of a soldier. Why? Because that’s what love does.”
Jesus demonstrated what real love does. John’s Gospel begins by telling us that Jesus went from being the Eternal Word of God to become the Word made flesh, love put into action. What he spoke and taught was awesome but what he did was what changed the world. We would never remember his teachings if he never did what he did. What he did was to leave the comforts of Heaven to become our Savior nailed on a cross. That’s what God’s love does.
John’s Epistle underscores what love does. What love says may be beautiful, but what love does is what counts.
This past Wednesday we had more than our usual number of homeless coming to seek a meal and clothing. Our hearts went out to these many folks that struggle to survive on the streets of our city. Our hope was to show our love for them by providing for some of their needs but also to point them to the love of Christ, who came into this world for them.
Christ’s love is what compels our ministry. That’s what love does. Love does something.
Our wonderful volunteers come to serve because they believe that’s what love does. The needs of those in poverty are great, and our volunteers do not want to sit back and do nothing. They are motivated by Christ’s love to do something.
Our generous supporters give to our ministry because they believe that’s what love does. Because of COVID-19, many cannot serve in person, but they want to do something.
We appreciate the donations we receive from you and use all of them to provide the meals and meeting people’s other basic needs in our city. One hundred percent of all donations go to assist people. I take no salary and we have use of the Westminster Community Center without any charge.
In this Christmas season, in which we affirm the value of giving to others as Christ has given to us, your support can enable us to give more food and clothing and to spread more of Christ’s love in our city.
May God’s Peace be with you,
Pastor Jim and Debby Riley