Faith in Action

Don't just pretend that you love others; really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God's children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. Romans 12: 9-13 (TLB)

Navamani Peter lives in Karnataka, India. Navamani and her friend sat under a tree during their lunch break. As they began to open their lunch boxes, they noticed a girl from their class sitting under another tree without anything to eat. So they went and shared their lunches with her. The following day, they noticed that she did not have food again. They asked her why, and she told them that her mother was sick with typhoid and could not make lunch for her. For the next few days, Navamani's friend insisted they they share their food.

Navamani's friend's determination to share her food reminded Navamani of Jesus' feeding the five thousand in the Gospel of John when Jesus blessed a young boy's lunch so that he could feed the crowd. When others expressed doubts that everyone could be fed, Andrew went among the crowd to see what food was available. Small acts made a tremendous difference that day. In a similar way, Navamani's friend saw a need and acted with compassion and love.

In a world where acts of selfless love are rare, followers of Jesus are called to put the interests of others above their own. The Christian life is a life of faith and works. If we are followers of Christ, we must show our faith in Action, by reaching out to those who are in need.

Prayer: Loving God, help us to be mindful of those who are oppressed and marginalized in our society. Grant us the kindness and courage to love them as Christ loves us. We pray in his Holy name. Amen.