Written by Anessa Westbrook, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
In Matthew 22:39, Jesus tells Christians to love their neighbors as themselves. Clearly, loving others is part of witnessing to them and this love can be seen through service. In Acts 9:36-43, we see the story of Dorcas. When she died, two men sought out Peter and asked him to come help. When Peter arrived, he was surrounded by mourning widows for whom she had made clothing. The need was clear; Peter was moved by this and raised her from the dead, allowing her to continue her service to the community.
This particular story is a clear example of the difference that someone can make in the lives of others. Were these women simply concerned about no longer receiving the clothing that Dorcas provided? Surely not! The detail of the two men coming to find Peter and asking him to help is an indication of the loss this community felt, and also that others perhaps felt at a loss to provide the help that was needed. The true gift that these widows received from Dorcas was something greater than merely a piece of clothing. Instead, Dorcas had provided both love and hope.
C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity writes,
Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. (p. 135)
In our modern society, we can help people see an alternate way of life and a Christian way of living that is in stark contrast to the world around us. Just as Israel and early Christians lived in a world needing hope, we, too, are surrounded by people who are desperate to fill the longing for hope that they feel in their souls.
In Ephesians 2:12, Paul reminds the Ephesian church that before they were Christians, when they were separate from Christ, they were without hope. He writes, “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (NIV). Sharing this hope is certainly the driving force behind our witness and ministry.
The Book of Hebrews was written to a group of Christians who were being persecuted; yet in Hebrews 13 they are not called to focus on their own troubles but to serve. Hebrews 13:1-3 says,
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Just because the recipients of the letter to the Hebrews were suffering, they did not have permission to get out of service or witnessing to others. Instead, they were to focus on how they lived, their purity, doctrine, and on finding ways to help others. What a challenge for us today! Often, we are overly focused on our own struggles as Christians, but if we refocus our attention on how we live, our purity, understanding our faith, and service, this puts things into greater perspective.
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches His followers not to worry about earthly concerns and problems. When Christians live this out, the lack of worry shows a confidence and hope that surpasses what many people will encounter in the world. This is attractive to a world that feels as if they have no hope. Showing that there is hope, and living day-to-day in a way that is different, is also an important part of our witness.
As Christians, we have both the responsibility and opportunity to show the world a different way of living, loving, and serving. Our hope in Christ is both the object and focus of our witness. Hopefully through our reflection on biblical hope, we can share with others the basis and potential of our hope.
- What are some specific ways that hope could affect and encourage our outreach to others?
- Hebrews 13:16 says not to neglect doing good and sharing, but what are the specific implications for the church if the majority of members were to neglect it?
- What are some specific areas in which you would like to see yourself more involved in helping the church, and what obstacles do you face in being able to do that?