Neighbors in Need

But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28 (NRSV)

Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord, whether we are slaves or free. Ephesians 6:7-8 (NRSV)

Jodi Wheeler lives in Arizona. "God, grant me am opportunity to help someone today," Jodi prayed. It didn't take long to receive an answer. After she returned from the store, Jodi noticed an elderly neighbor struggling to maneuver her walker and open the door at the same time. Jodi ran to her assistance, held the building door open, and then helped her with her apartment door as well. After receiving her thanks, Jodi returned to her apartment and thanked God for the chance to help a neighbor in need.

We each have opportunities to serve others every day. When we pray for God to direct our steps and open our eyes to ways to serve, our Creator is delighted to answer our requests. We can help an elderly person with their groceries or take time to talk to a lonely friend on the phone. Regardless of how we love others, we can experience a sense of delight when we serve others and glorify God.

This is a perfect time to help others who have been affected by Hurricane Ian. From our neighbors to those south of us who were affected by this storm, there are many needs from food and shelter to just saying a prayer for their recovery.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open our hearts to see opportunities to serve others and learn what it means to love like you today, in Jesus' name. Amen.