Let's Do Some Good!
PÄIVI RANTA, Director of Mission Possible Finland
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
About twenty years ago, I had an emergency surgery; my appendix had to be removed immediately. I lived alone and was not prepared for recovery at home. When I was discharged from the hospital, a good friend brought me food and went shopping for me. It felt good to have someone who saw my needs and cared in a tangible, practical way. My friend’s kind act left a mark on my heart, the warmth I still remember and feel after so many years!
After you’ve been blessed by a kind deed, you know how much a helping hand means for those in need.
When we distribute Baby Boxes in the slums of Bulgaria and food and firewood in Ukraine, or when we visit families in crisis in Russia, every encounter is always about more than meeting people’s physical needs. For the recipients, it means someone has noticed them in their situation and cares enough to take the time and energy to help – often without knowing the individuals personally.
This kind of love touches people deeply. It also raises the question, “Why are you helping us?” The answer is: “Because love begets love.”
When you have been helped and loved, it creates a desire to do the same for others.
God loved us first. When we know we are loved, we can obey His instruction to “love one another” through acts of kindness. When we do this, we open doors to people’s hearts and get an opportunity to tell them about the One who is love: God!
In this way, love grows and expands. People who are helped become helpers, and other lives are transformed through them.
Let us demonstrate God’s love by looking for ways to serve our neighbors!
