Life should not be lived alone. God has called us to help others, whether they are friends, neighbors, family, or strangers, through tough times. We are to carry one another’s burdens in this life together.
In these next moments, think about those around you, those with whom you live. How could you help them as they struggle?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:7-8
In elementary school, everyone is encouraged to share. I was not even allowed to eat or play with something unless there was “enough for everyone.” But something changes as we get older. There are special experiences in and out of school that are selective, so not everyone is invited. Parents tell children to invite who they want to their parties, not insisting on including everyone. This is not all bad.
The Bible tells us to think of those who are left out. We are not called to include others just because it makes them feel chosen, but also because it increases our joy. The smaller your group of friends is, the smaller your potential joy.
Sharing is more fun than excluding.
Patricia Lyons
Loving God, help me to be generous with my time and energy. Help me to share the blessings in my life with those who feel forgotten and unloved. Amen.
Life together means we care for those who are hurting. We embrace those who are going through tough times. We remind others, “You are not alone. I will never leave you.” We also remind others of the promise of God to never leave them or forsake them, even in the midst of a storm.
Go today with the confidence you have in God’s presence and be the presence of God in someone’s life today.