Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

This week, while we are out of town, my daughter’s doctor scheduled surgery for her. We could not return in time to help, but the sewing group I am part of, and their church stepped in big time, providing meals, prayer, babysitting, and financial gifts. They encircled our kids and treated them as theirs, loving them in very tangible ways.

These acts of kindness are what pure and undefiled religion looks like.

I realize my kids aren’t orphaned, but we couldn’t be there for them. The Church was. Their help exemplifies the Church at its best, caring for the community when needed. The meals, prayers, concerns, and financial gifts are a beautiful picture of what Jesus intended our lives to reflect. It is his love in action.

Stained with Beauty

I can’t say enough how much I love these people God has brought into my life. They are living their faith in Jesus big time, and the stain of his love, mercy, and grace is all over them.

If you want to find people who practice pure and undefiled religion, look for generosity at work in their lives. If generosity is in place, then the rest of God’s attributes of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control will likely be present, too. And I think God is pretty happy when he sees his children following in his footsteps and loving the world.

Feel the love for yourself.

If you live in Guthrie, Oklahoma, you might want to try Noble Avenue Baptist Church. I like to join them every Thursday morning for the Noble Threads sewing group and the second Friday for game night. It’s great fun, and isn’t that what church should be—fun? But more than fun is at play here. Community is being strengthened, friendships built, and quality of life enhanced. These are priceless treasures gained through individuals reaching out in love.

If you’re not from Guthrie, I urge you to find some generous people to hang out with wherever you live. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Life is better when we do it together.

How about you?

• Do you have a story when generosity made all the difference in your life?
• Is there somewhere you can show generosity today?
• Tell someone how their generosity blessed you.

Thanks for stopping by. Leave a ‘Hello’.

I’d love to hear from you.