Our church is going through a six message series from the book, "The Hole in Our Gospel". The first session addresses the tension between faith and actions. So, our church family was challenged (by me) to put our faith into action by skipping a trip to the grocery store this week and donating the money saved to our local food pantry or to our church's benefit which is used for those in the community with emergency needs.
During the week we ate only what is left in our cupboards, pantry and fridge. Our families get a feel of what it is like to have fewer food choices.
Labor Day weekend makes for additional challenges for many families. We have a family gathering at my Aunt Carole's on Sunday afternoon. Everyone is bringing a dish to share. We put our request in early to bring something we still have on hand. This week and the next will remind us to be thankful for the abundance we have in our nation. It also reminds us of people and areas who have much less than us.
James 2:14-17
What good is it my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes or daily food . 16If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.