Putting Faith into Action
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
In a once thriving community outside of Sacramento, a woman named Joy puts her faith into action. After an air force based closed the community was struggling economically. She originally wanted to lead a women’s Bible study in the community, but after seeing the needs she helped with much more. Joy worked with the kids in an after school program assisting them with their homework. She helped provide clothes and meals for the community. And she prayed for the community. Though she would rather be home reading a book, she felt the needs of the community pulling her outside of herself. In a place where there were gangs, child prostitution, and much struggle, the community is now looking brighter with the help of God’s people showing compassion. Joy does not want the people of Logan Park to feel forgotten, but rather loved and cared for.
Paul tells us in Romans that the Christian life is one of sacrifice. We dedicate our lives to God because we are moved by the love God has shown us. God sacrificed His only son Jesus, so that we may have eternal life with Him. He has shown us mercy and compassion. As we continue reading in Romans, Paul tells us that we are all gifted with different talents, which should be used to show love to others. All of our gifts are important to the body of Christ. Joy dedicates her life to God by showing compassion to the people in Logan Park. She has been moved by the love of God to show love to others. Just as Christ invested His life in us, Joy invests her life in the people of Logan Park. She continues to be a presence to them bringing mercy, compassion, and love.
Prayer
Lord God, we thank You for investing Your life in us. You have shown us mercy, compassion, and love. Please help us to use the talents that You have given us to show Your love and compassion to those around us. Amen