The Face of Hunger
By Robin Jones
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV
“Exactly $33.83 left until pay day. Pay day is 8 days away.” My thoughts flitted between fearing our miniscule account balance and fearing nothing because of God.
“God is bigger than this shortfall. Jesus is BIGGER.” I commanded myself to believe. I paced back and forth between the play area and where my husband was seated. He was using the free Wi-Fi connection to fill out job applications while I prayed and Gabe played.
A disheveled man hobbled in the side door as I paced with my head down. We collided. My eyes met his. He had tired chocolate-brown eyes and a weathered face. He smiled at me with a jack-o-lantern grin and said, “Excuse me, Ms.” He crumpled into the booth behind my husband.
A still, small voice whispered, “My child, that’s what HUNGER looks like.” My mind’s eye cued in on the memory of looking the old man in the eye. Those brown eyes appeared exhausted and confused which only comes from a lack of food.
I paced some more… in and out of the door… trying to get away from the look of hunger. I watched my husband, my son, and this man. The feeling of desperation covered me. The small voice came again, “Give him something to eat.” I walked further away, but the heaviness to do something followed me.
Smothering in heartbreak, I ran back into my husband, “Give me your wallet.” My hubby didn’t ask a single question. He simply handed me the wallet. I went to the man behind him. “Sir, are you hungry?” The old man nodded. “I’d like to buy you lunch because Jesus loves you, and so do I.”
Jesus commands us in John 15:17, “Love one another.” Jesus told us that everyone will know us as his disciples if we love one another. (John 13:34-36)
It is really that simple folks.
All Jesus is asking of us is to love God and love people. If we are worshipping Him with our every movement and breath, He promises to direct our steps. This includes when He asks us to give up our last pennies to help someone in need. He will fill in the answers to the constant siege of “How will I’s… and What if I’s…” that come when we love people extravagantly like He did.
When was the last time you paid it forward? Are you able to put your own worries aside to help someone you don’t know?
Read the account of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37.
Journal what God is speaking into your heart.
Lord, let us fix our eyes on all that you are. Let us love extravagantly like you did. Break our hearts until it moves our hands and feet. Bring love, your love, to life inside of us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Be Encouraged By This Song “Love Come To Life” by Big Daddy Weave
© 2018 by Robin Jones. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Thursday, 16 November 2023.
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