On my morning walk, I was overcome by God’s love and presence and spoke aloud to God saying, “I love you.” This is nothing out of the ordinary, but hearing a response from God doesn’t happen every time. This morning, God responded saying, “Then love this person.” Looking up, I saw a man passing by. Then I heard, “and this one and this one…” More people came into view. I do not know these people, yet I am called to love them all. Do my actions show love? Am I acting in ways that help others? When I see a person holding a sign that says, “hungry” do I turn away? Do I stop to give them groceries? Do I take them to eat? If I do give them food, a gift card or money, do I also give them the gift of dignity and community? Do I look them in the eye? Do I take time to listen to their story? Do I reach out and shake their hand? Do I invite them into my heart? Do I pray with them? Do I find out their needs? Do I connect them with a community garden or church and invite them back into community? Or do I quickly hand over a bit of charity and go about my way? I need to look at individuals with love and see a child of God each time. God is their Father and loves them lavishly. If you remember each person you meet is God’s beloved child, how will you treat them? Love is not usually convenient, but God asks us to share our love with everyone we meet anyway. Love courageously. Love lavishly. Love unconditionally. Love everyone. Read John 21:1-19, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally! 

Annie

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2021:1-19