In 1985, a hospice worker
named Ganga Stone paid a visit to a patient who was too ill to cook for
himself. On her next visit, Ganga brought another prepared meal. As she was on
her way to deliver it, she was stopped by a minister in the neighborhood who
recognized her. He asked what she was doing, she told him, and he replied, “You’re
not just delivering food … you’re delivering God’s love.” Ganga realized this
was true and began a ministry to those too ill to cook called, “God’s Love We
Deliver”.
We often see love as an ethereal emotion, inspiring love songs and poems, celebrated every year in February. But, as the pastor helped Ganga realize, love is also expressed in very tangible ways.
God’s love for us is the perfect example.
1 John 4:10 says, “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that God loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” God’s love for us is more than just a feeling—it is shown in His action. One of the first verses of the Bible we learn is John 3:16—“For God so loved the world that He gave . . .”
How have we expressed God’s love this week? Has it been more than lip-service? In what ways can we, like the ministry of “God’s Love We Deliver”, give others a glimpof God’s love? Perhaps this acrostic can help:
Give generously. (Luke 6:28)
Listen intently. (James 1:19)
Inform truthfully. (Titus 2:1)
Mentor humbly. (Colossians 3:16)
Pray continuously. (1
Thessalonians 5:16-18.)
Serve willingly. (Colossians 3:23)
Embrace often. (2 Corinthians 13:12)
Be encouraged!
