“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.” – James 2:8
Aimee and I have been blessed to witness the generosity of so many of God’s people. In each of the different churches that we have had the privilege of serving, we have seen the joy of giving lived out in so many different ways.
One evening, while living in Fort Cobb, our doorbell rang. I was greeted by a member of our church, Colleen. She was carrying a large bag of meat. It contained 50 pounds of various cuts of beef. Colleen handed me the large sack and said, “We wanted you to have this.” What a gift! I was shocked. I invited her into our home where we talked for a few moments. She told me that the meat packing plant in town had been in her family for a long time. Her family had always given meat to the Methodist pastor and their family.
This was a wonderful tradition and a beautiful act of kindness. Aimee and I were a young clergy family, just starting out. This gift was a real blessing for us. We have been changed and blessed by this wonderful act of kindness ever since that day. We were in Fort Cobb to minister to the people there, but instead they cared for us in so many wonderful ways. This act and so many like it have shown me that when we care for each other, we are living out the will of God for us.
When I think about what it means to love my neighbor, I often think about that moment that Colleen knocked on our door. Her family ran a very busy business and an active farm and ranch. She took time out of her day to share with us. For generations, her family has blessed others. Kindness and generosity make such a difference. When we give, we have an opportunity to bring joy to others. This is how we love our neighbors, no exceptions.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
