Mariana glanced at her phone. A notification read: “USAID Funding Cuts Proposed—millions at risk.” Her heart sank. She thought of the local shelter in her neighborhood, where a handful of immigrants and displaced families found temporary relief. Would these families now face an even harsher reality?
She recalled the words of Jesus to His followers, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34–35, quoted in full below). Mariana realized love isn’t just sentiment; it’s action—especially when neighbors suffer. The next day, her small group at church decided they wouldn’t stand idly by. This devotional is inspired by their story and countless others stepping up to serve in hard times.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Love is the hallmark of disciples of Jesus, displayed not only among ourselves but radiating outward to a hurting world.
Mariana’s group used to meet weekly to discuss Scripture and pray for each other’s needs—wonderful pursuits indeed. But something stirred them: “Could we become a volunteer hub?” They found their answer in the words of Jesus after His resurrection:
Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV)
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.”
Mariana’s group chose a youth mentorship program near the church. They quickly realized that discipleship isn’t limited to Sunday mornings; it’s intertwined with after-school tutoring, soccer nights, or simply listening to a teenager who feels forgotten.
Browsing the headlines, Mariana saw potential slashes in USAID—funds often used for crisis relief, refugee assistance, and health programs worldwide. Some might view such cuts as financial prudence, but believers sense a deeper dilemma: turning our backs on those in dire need.
Jesus’ teaching about the second greatest commandment resonates:
Mark 12:29–31 (NKJV)
“Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
In the midst of swirling budgets, we stand firm on the conviction: “As you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). Full passage below:
Matthew 25:35–40 (NKJV)
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?”
And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Mariana’s small group realized that many church members wanted to help but didn’t know where or how. That’s when they created an Interactive Prayer & Volunteer Map on the nonprofit’s website, featuring:
On Sunday morning, after hearing a sermon about compassion, believers often wonder “What next?”—especially when faced with complex issues like shifting budgets or threatened aid programs. Enter the Advocacy Kiosk: a small station in the church lobby (or the nonprofit’s reception area) that merges faith with public engagement.
Micah 6:8 states:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Justice often necessitates more than personal charity. It requires collective voices addressing systemic problems. This kiosk is a simple launchpad, reminding us that Christ’s love extends to shaping policies, not just handing out meals.
After her group embraced the “volunteer hub” model, Mariana found herself co-leading a monthly food distribution effort. A coworker from the local crisis center shared news of potential funding losses. In response, Mariana’s group:
Soon, a wave of church members—moved by the Holy Spirit—stepped in with time, money, and prayer. Even neighboring churches joined. As a result, the nonprofit managed to bridge the financial gap for their next quarter, sustaining vital programs. Meanwhile, the church community discovered a deeper sense of unity, shaped by God’s love in action.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for awakening our hearts to serve. In these uncertain times, may our faith burn brightly as we stand for the oppressed, feed the hungry, and speak up for the voiceless. Keep our small groups united in love and mission. Guide us to use every resource—from interactive maps to advocacy kiosks—for Your glory. Fill us with compassion, courage, and unwavering hope, knowing You walk beside us in every act of mercy. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
Let’s answer the call together, knowing that every act of service testifies to Christ’s unending love. For in loving one another as He first loved us, we honor our King, bless our neighbors, and shine a guiding light in these unpredictable days.
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