Storm Survival

Nº 313

July 30, 2024

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has the eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. - St. Augustine

A few months ago, tornados ripped through a friend’s neighborhood in the heartland of the USA. Trees and power poles collapsed, smashing houses and cars. The destruction was staggering.

Although everyone in the area had damaged property, the community pulled together to assist those harmed most severely. A group of neighbors used chain saws and tractors to remove four large oak trees blocking a widow’s driveway. Relief groups set up temporary feeding kitchens. A local church contributed money on Sunday morning to help those slammed by the twisters.

Storms blow into everyone’s life. We all face damage of one kind or another. Medical issues, financial problems, work challenges, and relational tensions are sure to come our way. When they do, remember the command that Paul gave the Galatians, and us: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) The law of Christ was issued at the Last Supper: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

Don’t back away from those in need. The storms of life provide opportunities for us to show Christ’s love and bear one another’s burdens.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President