Each week, members of Living Water Lutheran Church do Kindness Outreaches. Through them, the love of Christ is shared in practical ways with our neighbors.
We give quarters for carts to shoppers at Aldi...
Hot chocolate to people picking out their Christmas trees...
Doggie treats to people out walking their dogs...
Cold water and other cold drinks to families at parks for soccer games.
When asked why we do this, we tell people things like, "God loves you, no strings attached."
Or, "We're sharing God's love in a practical way."
Today, on a chilly Autumn morning, we gave away hot chocolate.
It's clear we're beginning to get a reputation in the community.
"Are you the Lutherans?" one man asked. When we said, "Yes," another said, "You gave me a cold Coke a few weeks ago. I love the Lutherans!"
Someone else asked, "Can I give you a donation?" "No," answered one of our Living Water disciples, "we're just sharing God's love." When pressed about doing something in response to the gift, our member said, "Just pray for us." "I can do that!" the person said.
The Bible tells us that while you and I were still dead in our sin, Jesus Christ died for us, giving His innocent life to take the death sentence for sin that you and I deserve, then rising from the dead to give eternity to sinners like me and you.
The Bible tells us: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
And Jesus Himself says: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)
Life with God is a gift He freely gives through Jesus Christ. There's nothing you need to do or possibly could do to earn it or merit it. It's a gift He gives that calls us to repent--that is, turn from sin and death--and trust in what He has already done for us through His death and resurrection.
It's a privilege to share God and His grace with others, alongside the people of Living Water Lutheran Church.
