Bread

Topic: Love People

Author: Larry Ely

Hungry person after hungry person entered the community center today hoping for food. They came for free groceries. A man came alone carrying an empty box to put food in. A woman came with her kids and put food in her stroller. An older lady in a wheelchair came by and needed some help. I watched as student after student handed out bread, cereal, canned goods, rice, pasta, and milk. It was a powerful sight to see… people in need actually having their needs met.

It’s amazing what a loaf of bread can do. It can provide hope to the hurting. It can give strength to the hungry. It can provide an opportunity for the humble. Hungry people are everywhere, we are just often unaware or do not notice them. Often times, hunger is just one of many needs that people have. Check out what Jesus said to those who are hungry:

“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35

Jesus can satisfy the hunger of our souls not just our stomachs. If we put our faith in him, Jesus can meet our deepest needs- both physical and spiritual.

Put It Into Practice:

Sometimes loving people is hard like helping someone break a difficult addiction. Sometimes loving people is really simple: share a meal. Showing God’s love by meeting physical needs of people can open the door to meeting spiritual needs. Look for ways to help meet a physical need in someone’s life: food, shelter, clothing, work, money, gas, tools, supplies, or help with homework. Then bridge the gap and try to meet a spiritual need in their life: forgiveness, love, salvation, friendship, Christian community, Bible study, youth group, or church.

Thought for the Day:

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:37-40

Tips for Loving People: