"I’m a Christian," someone states, but his actions offer little evidence. Another quietly reaches out to others, and his life speaks of his faith. John Wesley believed that personal holiness should initiate social change. Jesus’ brother, James, agreed. "As the body without the spirit is dead," he inscribed, "so faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:26). The worth of a Christian’s faith is revealed in ministry, and discloses the value of his relationship with Christ.

Compassionate Christian ministry is an act of service arising out of love for Christ. "‘For I was hungry’ Jesus said, ‘and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me'" (Matthew 25:35-36). If faith without works is dead, then faith applied as Jesus spoke in these verses is definitely alive! We are to share compassion, because of the sacrificial compassion Jesus had for us.

A dear Christian lady went home to be with Jesus last week. Doris had a contagious laugh that quickly made you smile even if you didn't feel like it. But it was not her laugh that revealed her character. In her caring for those we visited together I discovered how she listened and also shared her heart. Doris cared.

Does Edgewood care? Do we really? As we have treated the least person, so we have treated Jesus. As we have ignored the least person, so have we ignored Him. How we respond to another reveals how much Jesus' sacrifice really means. Do we treat what He did for us as cheap, or do we recognize the greatest expense He paid?

Does Edgewood care? Only you can answer that question.

In Jesus,

Lynn Lacher

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