Scripture:
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Titus 1:8
For adults:
“The Church is the Church only when it exists for others...not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In the first chapter of Titus we are shown how a follower of Jesus should live out their lives. There is a high moral standard for those who are followers of Jesus. This was true for the early church and is equally true today. As we continue to live through some very tough times these words that Paul wrote centuries ago not only apply to those who were entrusted with the oversight of the local church, but they also apply to all God's children.
During this pandemic, we have seen so many churches and families opening up their hearts and their pocketbooks to help those in need. Churches are providing masks, gloves, meals to hospital workers, law enforcement agencies, and other groups who are on the front line. We have read and seen people making masks and donating them to the elderly and taking meals to those who have been directly affected by COVID 19. But what we have seen most is people sharing on social media, “if you have lost your job due to the recent pandemic, please inbox me and I will gladly provide groceries to your family.”
We should all look at our actions and attitudes to see where we have failed God and learn to be gracious and hospitable. May we individually and collectively seek out ways to be the church, the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. May we glorify Christ in all that we do. May we grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we learn to Be the Church.
For children:
Call and check up on grandparents.
How can we be a good neighbor?
Who in your school is having a difficult time and can use a word of encouragement?
(parents ask your child if someone has been asking a lot of questions regarding assignments or a particular project)
Meditate:
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Titus 1:8
Prayer:
God, help us to live a life that reflects Your love and character. May our lives be an example of Jesus, may we continually be leading people to know and love You more and we ask that the Holy Spirit reveal to us where we can serve our neighbor. AMEN.
About the author:
Jose Aguilar Jr. is an Associate Pastor at FBC Weslaco and has served in this capacity for the last 11 years. He and his wife Blanca have served faithfully at FBC Weslaco since 2001. They are the proud grandparents of Lilyana Faythe and Trinidad Esperanza Aguilar.