Jesus-Like Love in the Backyard

Image by mosippy

My brother-in-law is one of those people in my life that I probably connect with more than almost everyone else. There are so many things that we relate to at a heart-level that it is almost uncanny.

He posted a story a few days ago on his blog, “Connected Through Community,” talking about how a group from his church decided to reach out and love people in a very real and practical way.

We need more of this…

16 people, 2 hours, 1 transformed yard. This morning was one of those times when I feel that we got it right. The point was to love in a practical way. About a month ago our church had a day of service where we went and cleaned some gutters, trimmed some bushes, raked some leaves, etc. for the people in a mile radius of our building. Part of our class ended up at the house of on older lady whose yard was completely overgrown and out of control. A whole, full-sized industry truck was filled to the brim and that was just from the front yard. Since that Sunday, one of the ladies in our class has continued to talk with her and today was the day that we arranged to go back and start on her backyard. I loved seeing the hearts of those in our class serving someone that most of them have never meet. Everyone pitching in and working to make a noticeable difference. Another trailer full and a backyard that actually let the sunlight in now. Extreme yard makeover. I often hear Christians painted in a negative light as being hypocrites and not very loving. Today in this lady’s backyard, out of sight from most people, I saw what Christians look like when we get it right. Loving someone because we have received love and can’t help but share that. No preaching, no trying to convince you of a political stance, no ulterior motive, only to help in a practical way. This is what community looks like. We as Christians don’t always get it right, but sometimes we do reflect Jesus. And when we do, it can look amazing. Been going to Sunday school classes for a long time and this is the first one that I would feel comfortable for my non-Christians friends to just show up at. If I wasn’t there, they would still be loved and hopefully catch a glimpse of what Christ looks like. Seeing a group, messed up as we are, trying to follow Christ is something incredible. I think we are a lot like the yard that we cleaned up today. We all have been messy and not the ideal picture, but when Christ works in us, we can look radically different at the end of the day. Thanks to our class for being an example of Jesus to me today. You are amazing.

Be sure and bookmark Kenneth’s blog, or subscribe to the RSS feed. Well worth it.

Posted 05.22.2009

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