By Rebecca Hasey
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” I John 3:18
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words?” It’s not a new idea. The author of 1 John (most likely the apostle John) spoke of it almost 2,000 years ago in a letter he wrote to fellow Christians. He encouraged and instructed his fellow believers to show God’s love not just by using words, but by showing them or doing something about it!
God knows we are busy mamas, yet He still holds service to others in high regard. During our busy days with our children we do a lot of service! We serve our kids constantly throughout the day as we help them to dress, eat, bathe, even to go to sleep! By serving them, we are also showing them how to love others and care for them. We are showing God’s love.
But guess what, mamas? It doesn’t end there! There is a whole world God created, a whole world that needs to have this love shared with them. Unfortunately, not every child in the world grows up with a mama who shows them the love of God. We are called to this.
Not just the pastors and missionaries among us, but all of us! Granted, each of us has different gifts, gifts that God himself granted us, and we can use them to serve in a multitude of ways.
This year in MOPS, we are going to have the opportunity to serve, or show God’s love to others globally, locally, and even within our own MOPS group. Please take advantage of these opportunities. Make it a goal to participate in at least one, if not all.
This is being done to show others God’s love, for sure, but let’s not forget that this is for our benefit as well. Remember, Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
We are starting the year off by collecting and making Baby Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief to distribute. These are for moms around the world who may love their children just as much as you do, but lack the means to provide even the most basic of essentials for their new babies.
As LWR states, “A Baby Care Kit from LWR is like a promise. It says to that baby, your needs will not be neglected by this world. You matter to us. When you send Baby Care Kits, you provide encouragement by welcoming these little ones into an international community that cares.”
As the year progresses, you will have new opportunities, some during our meetings, and some outside of Thursday mornings. I am excited to see what God does with us this year! I hope you will join me as we reach out to serve with both our hearts and our hands.
