Ralph Waldo Emerson, nineteenth-century American poet and lecturer, once said, "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." I suppose, if we take Emerson's words to heart, there are then few, if any truly selfless gifts, for to bless another is in essence, to experience blessing yourself. The apostle Paul said in Acts 20:35, ".. we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." We exist as a church to worship the living God and to serve others in the name of Christ.
That is the motivation behind Hypothermia Prevention Week at Westwood. February 5-12, Westwood will become a shelter for the homeless in our community. They will find among us a warm place to sleep, hot meals to eat, and welcome hearts and arms that will receive them in Christ's name. To help these men and women is to experience the blessing of God at work within all who participate in this special emphasis of love. They will be blessed by the warmth of our Christian community...we will be blessed by sharing the love of Christ.
Yes, to share the blessings of Christ is to experience blessing. Pray, give, volunteer in whatever way the Lord leads...there will be enough blessings to go around!
Jim Abernathy
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