Faith in Action:
Love, Gratitude, and a Reason to Sing
I wish I could say, “Don’t worry… be happy!“—but let’s be honest, some days, weeks, or even months just seem too filled with trouble, fear, and uncertainty to say this, much less sing the song. Still, if you haven’t watched the music video in a while, I highly recommend it. (Did you remember that Robin Williams was in it? I had forgotten! It made me smile just to see him again and his silly antics—maybe it will do the same for you.)
No, uncertain times can’t be fixed with a cute song or silly dances. However, there is something powerful you can do in the face of uncertain times—LOVE.
Love is an expression of faith. We read in Galatians 5:6 (NRSV)—“For in Christ Jesus…the only thing that counts is faith working through love.” Love is the action that reveals our Christian faith and faith without action James 2:17 tells us is dead. It is merely an idea without impact.
True faith moves.
True faith serves.
True faith gives.
True faith feeds the hungry.
True faith comforts the broken.
True faith loves unconditionally.
Generosity reflects trust in God and God’s provision.
Service demonstrates Christ’s heart.
Love embodies The Spirit’s presence.
True faith thrives when expressed in generosity, service, and love.
Valentine’s Day is the PERFECT day to celebrate love, to celebrate others, and in doing so, change your mood and bring the “happy” the song talks about. In fact, gratitude has been proven to benefit us. The Mayo Clinic gives the lowdown:
Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease.
If you are reading this pre-Valentine’s Day, here are some faithful action suggestions:
- Send a Valentine’s note of gratitude to your staff (they will be thrilled!)
- Write a Valentine’s Day card to your most dedicated leaders and volunteers (it’s impossible to thank them too much, right?)
- Send a card to three of your most difficult people (they need love.)
(If you are reading this post-Valentine’s Day, these suggestions still apply… just use regular stationary rather than Valentine’s Day cards.)
Hand-address each card and as you do, say a prayer for that person. Will this change the world? Probably not, but it just might change their world, at least for a few minutes. Don’t be surprised if it changes your world (perspective) for a few minutes, too. Thinking of your neighbors in a positive, love-filled way is good for you! Go ahead, give it a try and see if “Don’t worry…be happy!” is a little easier to sing than before.
Speaking of generosity!
It is not too early to start planning for a fall generosity campaign (some call it stewardship campaign). Registration is open for our upcoming Consecration Sunday Training event being held Monday, May 19, 10:00AM-1:00PM in the Dixon Chapel of the NCCUMC building in Garner.
We would love to help you help others grow in generosity and Consecration Sunday is a great program for this very thing. Click the link below to register today and register someone to come with you, too. And because generosity is so important to the work we do at UMF, we will provide your CS materials, feed you a delicious lunch, and do it all for the low cost of ZERO! Now that’s something to sing about!
This article was submitted by Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF, you can contact Lynn at [email protected].