Good morning, friends. It is a profound joy to gather in this place, a place we share, a place where we seek the face of God and the fellowship of our neighbors.
But how often do we stop to consider what our faith looks like when we leave these doors? When we step into the streets of our small town?
Today, I want to talk about Active Love—the kind of love that doesn’t just feel good in our hearts, but the kind of love that rolls up its sleeves and gets to work right here in our town. We see a powerful reflection of this commitment in the simple, yet profound, act of caring for our community.
Our faith calls us to be engaged citizens. And believe it or not, we can find a profound lesson in how we talk to our town leaders, how we advocate for a senior center, or how we welcome a new neighbor. Let us look at how our dedication to love and compassion can be lived out right here in our small, rural community.
The Urgency of Compassionate Love (Caring for the Vulnerable)
The Bible gives us a clear mandate for this commitment. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This is our starting point—a universal, undeniable call to service.
A simple concern for our neighbors—a loose floorboard, a necessary repair—can sometimes carry the weight of life and death. When we look at the needs in our community, we must adopt an urgent lens.
- It‘s about Safety, Not Convenience: When we advocate for better conditions, we are not simply asking for comfort. We are fighting for dignity. We are ensuring the safety of a senior who deserves to move freely or a child who needs a stable, safe place to grow up.
- The Least of These: Jesus himself gave us the standard for this compassion. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40, NIV). Our compassion must be driven by the understanding that every life is precious, and every obstacle to their well-being is a sacred concern.
- A Call to Action: When we see an unmet need, whether it’s a physical hazard or an unseen spiritual burden, our faith compels us to act quickly and thoroughly. Stop talking. Start doing. Love is an active force that fixes what is broken, so that others may live more fully.
The Power of Uplifted Community (The Joy of Shared Space)
Love is an active force that fixes what is broken, so that others may live more fully. And when that work is complete, what is the reward? We witness the second great part of this gospel of good works: The Power of Uplifted Community.
- More Than Structure: A building—whether it’s a center, a lodge, or this church—is just brick and wood until love fills it. But when the repairs are done, when the caution tape is gone, the atmosphere is transformed. People are smiling, moving about freely, and connecting.
- The Visible Joy: When we step up and serve, we see joy and energy return to our community spaces. Attendance increases! Why? Because people are drawn to authentic warmth. They are drawn to places where they feel safe, welcomed, and respected.
- Building Well-Being: This feeling of safety and respect nurtures not only physical health but also social and emotional well-being. Our community efforts give our neighbors the freedom to gather, to talk, and to defeat the isolation that plagues so many.
Civic Love and Open Invitation (Engaging the World)
As followers of God, we are called to be repairers of the breach, bringing light and healing so that our communities can truly thrive in joy and fellowship. But our responsibility does not end at the town line, or even at the church door. This kind of active love requires us to be open-hearted, generous citizens who engage with the whole world around us.
- Civic-Mindedness is Christ-Mindedness: Loving our town means respectfully engaging with the leaders who serve us. We express gratitude, and we advocate for what is right. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7, NIV). We are called to be salt and light—involved, helpful citizens who seek the best for all residents.
- An Open Table for All: The spirit of community always extends an open invitation. It is easy to stay in our familiar circles, but our faith demands open-mindedness—to welcome all walks of life to our table. Whether it’s a government official, a new neighbor, or someone who views the world differently than we do, we open our doors for fellowship, conversation, and a shared meal.
- The Common Moral Ground: When we seek to honor good works—whether the work is through a civic club, a school, or a charitable foundation—we recognize that goodness is everywhere. Many different faiths and backgrounds share a deep commitment to integrity, kindness, and serving children in need. We should seek out and celebrate that moral commonality with all people, focusing on the shared goal of making our country a better place. In doing so, we reflect a God whose love is universal and whose goodness is revealed throughout the world.
Conclusion: Our Continuing Service
The great lesson for us today is simple: We are all called to be Community Builders.
So let us leave this place today committed to three things: Seeing the needs of the vulnerable with genuine urgency; celebrating the fellowship that comes from shared purpose; and extending an open, generous invitation to everyone in our diverse town.
May all that we do be rooted in God’s universal love and driven by our commitment to action, so that our community may truly know the peace that passes understanding.
Amen.
Light of Many Paths 