The Upper Room Devotion for Thursday, June 15, 2023, was written by Stella Ting of Hong Kong, China
Scripture
6 "With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:6-8 NRSV
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS
In April 2020, I started cooking food every Wednesday for people in my community who were living on the streets. When I prepare stir-fry, the shallot, ginger, and spring onion fill our whole house with good smells. The natural colors of different vegetables – green, red, purple, brown – decorate the dishes and entice my husband to join me in preparing the food. After cutting the roast chicken, he places it into the box, arranging it like a five-star hotel chef would.
This is how we show God’s love and share it with others, filling our life with joy and harmony. Everyone wants to be loved. It only takes a small act. When we give a little time, we can help make a big difference in others’ lives. People who give also receive happiness and love. When we give to and love each other, we can create a more beautiful world.
Thoughts
Friends,
Stella's reflection offers us a moment to ask ourselves a challenging question: How am I sharing God’s love with others? Stella and her husband provided food for homeless people within their community as a way of sharing God’s love. We may not be skilled chef’s but we can volunteer our time at a soup kitchen or food distribution center. Take a moment to re-read Stella’s reflection and consider what you can do to help “create a more beautiful world.”
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer
O Lord, help us to show your love and mercy to others. Amen.
- Stella Ting