All Wrapped Up!

As I write this letter I have been reflecting on the events of last Saturday when I was invited to share in the “Wrapping of the Parish Church.” The wrapping was with a scarf generously knitted by many villagers, who were touched by the needs of the Rainbow Hospice for life shortened children. At the same time I’ve been reading a novel centred around the homeless of one American city. Meanwhile my desk is bombarded by letters and periodicals full of the plight of the world’s poor, hungry, homeless and ill-treated; and one is left wondering where is justice, mercy and hope!

But as Saturday’s event proved, justice, mercy and hope lie in the awakened hearts of men and women, who seeing the plight of another, respond with generosity and passion. But is this possible we might ask seeing that it is man who first initiates the problems of others by his greed and self-centredness? If it’s left entirely to man then the answer has to be No, a most resounding No!

However, our God, our Creator has not left it entirely to us. Instead, He has installed in each and every one of us something of His own self. Sadly, it can lie dormant for many years until the Holy Spirit is given freedom to act by an individual repenting of sin and requesting that Christ should live in him. This opens the way to God’s guidance and encouragement. So we saw in the village scarves knitted with vigour, in the church monies given to meet needs in Bulgaria. God at work in His people to meet the needs of His people.

But let us not forget, lest we become proud or boastful, that it is our Father’s will and command to care for and love others. And furthermore He requests that our actions and responses to the needy never cease - remember Malawi, Peru, Chad, to name but a few with endless needs.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT “You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

And remember, (Ephesians 4:16) “As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is health and growing and full of love.”