Soul Food

On a warm Autumn day I opened my front door to sunlight streaming in and three beautiful women laden with baking, meals and gifts plus steaming hot coffee standing outside. Ahhh food for the body and nourishment for the soul for this mother with her newborn!

We’re called to be a light to the world around us. We’re called to represent Jesus wherever we go. Sometimes that means sharing the Gospel through words. Sometimes that means taking the hands of a person in need and praying for them. And sometimes that means turning up on a doorstep with the light of Christ in your heart shining through and gifts for the soul.

There’s a movement happening around New Zealand at the moment. It’s called “Love this city”. It involves people going round and love bombing random strangers with gifts and kind words. For many it is the only encouragement in an otherwise hard day, it is the seed of hope, the strength to keep going. It is the light, the love of Christ, no strings attached, no agenda except to express the love of God.

One recipient of being love bombed wrote this “I am currently six months pregnant, alone with the father not around anymore…my silent prayers have finally been answered … and live knowing that at least someone out there loves me.”

This world is looking for, crying out for demonstrations of the love of God for them. Practical demonstrations of the love and power of God. Did not Jesus walk this earth healing the sick, feeding the hungry, encouraging the hurting and the rejected?

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)