Conduits of God's Love

The grace of God has been extended to us - because of sin, we deserved eternal punishment, but our incredibly merciful God sent His Son so that we might know Him and live for Him. And, living for Him means to that we are conduits of the mercy of God, vessels for His use. 2nd Corinthians 4 states:
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

Later in the chapter, we can read these words:
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

Grace...for the many, according to 2nd Corinthians 4:15.  There are no limits to God's grace, and it has been shared freely with fallen humanity.  Because we have experienced that grace and possess it in our hearts, we are not called to keep it to ourselves - it is a gift that is intended to be given away...without condition!  We are surrounded by struggle, but God calls us, even when we might be struggling, to turn the attention off ourselves and on to the needs around us.

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We can recognize that God provides resources for us to not only meet our own needs, but to minister to the needs of others, as well - and that provides a sense of gratitude in the hearts of the recipients of His mercy through us. 2nd Corinthians 9 states:
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God...

Travis Feltner is a husband and father of eight children who lives in the Cincinnati area.  The last few months have not been kind to the Feltners.  According to Faithwire, Travis' wife, Amber, passed away from COVID in August.  And, Cincinnati television station, WLWT, reported that Travis had been involved in a serious car crash involving a driver in a police chase a year prior to her death.

In the aftermath of these devastating circumstances, a local church stepped up to minister to the family. The Faithwire story said:

A man and his children grieving the loss of their wife and mother were blessed Christmas Eve by a Cincinnati church congregation who gave them presents, toys, and a $6,700 check to help pay utilities for the next year.

Travis Feltner, a father of eight kids ranging in ages from three to 20, stood before the Compass Community Church congregation Friday to accept these surprise gifts.

Travis and some of his children came to the front, and he declared, "I just can’t believe all the things that this church has done … it’s amazing what you guys have done for us,”adding, “I had no idea what I was going to do. Thank you so much for reaching out and being there for us.” The article says that "he visibly became emotional."

Emily Blake presented the gifts and check to the Feltners; she is involved in missions and outreach for the church, and said: “We heard about your story … we just knew that we were led by God to show you His love,” adding, “We just want you guys to know that we see you, that God sees you, and that He loves you.”

Faithwire notes:

As Blake presented the gifts to the kids, she told them Jesus loves them and has “an amazing plan” for their lives.

Blake later told WLWT-TV it’s her mission to ensure people going through tough times do not feel forgotten.

The station quotes Blake as saying, "People oftentimes don't feel seen or heard and that's my main mission everyone needs to feel seen at their lowest points and their highest points..."  The television station reported that the church helps a needy organization and family each year.

Here is a great example of the Church being the Church. It can remind us of several things:

We can depend on the Holy Spirit to give us sensitivity to opportunities all around us. As we show the love of Christ, He uses us to help people come into a knowledge of Him.  It's a visible manifestation of the gospel.

COVID has upended so many families, so many people's lives; I would dare say no one has been untouched by this menace - and it's not over yet. Helping others who have been affected can perhaps help to mitigate the weariness that so many are encountering these days.

God will show Himself faithful in the midst of and the aftermath of tragedy.  Our struggles and travails do not indicate that we have been forgotten by God; instead, we are reminded that He is near to those who are broken and will sensitize us to His love.