The local church may have a visible location in the community and even excellent signage, but does that necessarily mean it has a ‘presence’ in the community? What level of awareness does the neighbourhood have of our collective testimony for Christ? When was the last time our Christlike love-in-action became the topic of conversation around a family’s table nearby?
Consider this not-too-far-fetched scenario:
Maria: “We really should be doing something for that family. This tragedy couldn’t have hit them at a worse time.”
Alice: “Now just a second, Maria! We can’t be dishing out dollars to families in need in our community. Their house burned down last week. It will be somebody else’s next week. I know they lost a daughter in the fire, and it’s really a tragedy, but there’s not much we can do about it. Maria, if you’d like to take them over Chicken Cacciatore or something else, go right ahead. However, as an assembly of believers, we have other places to invest our money. We need to install remote control blinds and upgrade our sound system to Bose speakers and hopefully get a Jura coffee machine for our kitchen.”
Have you ever wondered about our priorities? Is our love for our community being outpaced by our appetite for comfort and convenience?
There is nothing wrong with a beautiful building or a well-equipped facility —provided it doesn’t displace or replace our love and restrict our outreach. Beyond the rich truth presented from our pulpits, what presence, reputation and connection do we have with those we long to reach?
Did you know there’s a direct link between what we do and what we love? There’s a strong correlation between our good works and our love for Christ?
When good works decline, it’s a symptom of fading love. When our interests shift inward, it is because our affection for Christ — and for others —has cooled.
The Lord’s message to the church at Ephesus was sobering:
“I know your works, your toil … but I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first…” Revelation 2:2,4-5
When the church in Ephesus was young and new, it was vibrant and engaged. Love for Christ was the fuel that drove their service. At first, they were solid and sound in doctrine, busy in service, and engaged in good works. Their good works were not a duty or a program but an outflow and overflow of their devotion to Christ.
So, we must ask: does anyone outside the four walls of our building know of our good works —because they have experienced them?
Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Our good works are not a private matter. They are a public witness. Acts of kindness are visible expressions of God’s love, and when done in His Name, they lead others to glorify Him.
It was this visible compassion that marked the early Christians. History records that their charity astonished the unbelieving world. It wasn’t only their care for one another that impressed people —but their undiscriminating care and compassion towards strangers, the sick, the poor and even their enemies.
Are we known for only looking after our own? If so, what’s so distinctive about that? Every club, fraternity and social group cares for its members. Visiting our own sick and dipping into our pockets to help our own is good—but it’s the bare minimum.
The Apostle Paul taught that our goodness must extend further:
“…always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1Thessalonians 5:15
“…as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
Notice Paul’s balance: especially believers, but not exclusively. The priority starts within the household of faith but clearly extends to everyone else as opportunity arises. The question for us is — are we actively looking for those opportunities?
What distinguishes the love of God, and should distinguish ours, is its reach.
Non-discriminating acts of generosity, sympathy and kindness towards those in crisis, even when we share no spiritual or family bond, demonstrate a love of a different order —the love of Christ Himself.
Read this Personal Testimony of the Eternal Impact of the Kindness Shown by a Local Church
With today’s technology, it’s never been easier for believers to organize their kindness and good works. Imagine a simple process like this within your local fellowship:
- Alert: A believer shares a report of a need or crisis in the community. (fire, accident, loss, diagnosis or death, etc.)
- Discern: A few consider a fitting response — flowers, food, or financial help — perhaps involving elders if needed.
- Coordinate: A small roster of believers takes turns organizing practical acts of care.
- Deliver: Someone personally carries the kindness to the doorstep — on behalf of the Christians at [______] with no other message than the act of thoughtful and caring kindness from the Christians. This is not the time to stand at the door and share the Gospel.
- Report: A brief notice is sent out to confirm that the act of kindness has been completed, encouraging others.
Simple steps — but they turn love into motion.
Perhaps several cards could be customized and printed in advance to cover most circumstances, making them readily available.
Dear [Name] and Family,
Though we may not know each other personally, please accept our sincere sympathy on your recent loss. The Christians at [_______] are praying for you and your loved ones, asking that God will give you strength and comfort in the days ahead. If there’s any way we can be of help — whether a meal, a visit, or a listening ear — please reach out.Because of the Love of Christ,
The Christians at [_______]
If it weren’t for the sign on our building, would the neighbourhood even know we exist — let alone know that we love Christ?
If our love for Christ burned brightly, His love for souls would be reflected in our priorities —and our community would feel it. The warmth of that love would not stop at our door but would overflow in good works that testify of Him.