The Hands of Love

It's the same old thing. I go to church on Sunday. I write a check and drop it in the offering box. I'm done. For the average person, that may well be the extent of Christian service. The "one stop shopping" variation on guilt-free living. If we're supposed to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might," (Deuteronomy 6:5) I'm pretty darn sure that an hour on Sunday morning and a check just don't cut it. No question that we're supposed to give money to the church, for that is our tithe. However, God is looking for something more. Giving means more than just our treasure, it also means our time and talents. Likewise, service means more than being an usher once a month, it's about getting out into the real world and loving it on God's behalf. We are, at least functionally, God's hands and feet and lips. That means we must roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty in love and service to one another and the world. No, we don't all have to go to Africa. Yet, we might each take a deep breath and perhaps march a few blocks outside of our comfort zone. Love, in it's purest form, must cost something. That is, by the way, exactly what God did for us. He didn't just sent an angel down to say, "Hey, I love you guys." No, He rolled up His sleeves, became a man and loved us face to face. Then He spilled His precious blood on our behalf, as a payment for our personal and collective sins. That is love. That is our example. OK team, now let's get out there and show the world what real love looks like.

The Hands of Love
God loves passion, true enough
But He wants more than money from me
He desires compassion and action
On the front lines of ministry
It's easy enough to mail a check
And that is a part of His plan
But God calls us to roll up our sleeves
To step in with both feet and hands
For unless we feel it, unless we act
Unless our love reaches out
And touches folks in a tangible way
We give our Lord reason to doubt
Our commitment and our intentions
For money pays for ministry
But His love spreads from heart to heart
To each person individually
For God, compassion is action
And love means sacrifice
Just as He sent His son to us
Who, in love, paid the ultimate price
Listen, can you hear Him calling?
God speaks to each of us personally
And that is how we are called to serve
For love is spelled T. I. M. E.
By Frank Carpenter ©