By Cindy Tuttle

Years ago while my husband was a youth minister, we participated in the 30 Hour Famine. We decided to take the kids to Columbus to feed those who are homeless and give them winter items.

We visited several of the small shelters people lived in. We gave them fuel for their heaters, toilet paper, and blankets to keep them warm. Most of all we shared God’s love and his Word. We talked to a guy who had been a doctor and several others who once had families, but because they chose alcohol and substances, it cost them everything. As we stood in a big prayer circle, some cried and some smiled as we all prayed together.

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”

As we set up our truck with the food and clothing, we saw so many people in line. It broke our hearts. I wondered if anyone had taken the time to lend a hand or take a meal or help people look for jobs. 

As the day went on, our kids learned so much, since they were hungry and cold themselves. The experience taught them to have compassion, to reach out to those who are down and broken, to love others as God loves them, to take his Word to those who are lost.

“I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

God commands us to serve others. He asks us to be his hands and his feet. He asks us to step out of our warm houses and go out into the world and tell others that their heavenly Father loves them. 

Do we at times get hard-hearted and put ourselves above those who are poor, just like the rich man in our lesson? Do we walk on by people like the beggar, thinking, Someone else will take care of them? Shame on us. We should bless others by giving of ourselves.

We might be the only Jesus that some will ever see. So let’s shine for him!

Cindy Tuttle has served the church and her community in Southeastern Ohio for 25 years. She and her husband, Rob, currently minister with the Lowell Christian Church in Lowell, Ohio. They have two adult children, Kelsie and Ryan.