We have a weekly meal at our church. You've read about it before, the Sunday lunch. All people from the community are invited to come. The demographic is made up of about 60% families and individuals below the poverty line, 30% homeless families and individuals, and 10% other/church volunteers. The meal is an embodiment of the coming Kingdom of God. It is a place where all are welcome, faults/sins/failings are overlooked, and a true selfless community is taught.
A few Sundays ago we had quite the adventure. Two homeless gentlemen who have been coming to the lunch for quite sometime showed up inebriated. Our environment has become a safe place for an increasing number of families to show up to eat, so the use, possession, or influence of substances is strictly prohibited. Upon discovering these two guys state, I approached one of them and said, "You are welcome here, but your alcohol is not. You have to leave." It was the first time I have had to escort someone away from our lunch and church. A few minutes later I returned to see our police officer escorting the other gentleman out as well.
I realized that love looks different in different situations. Was I still showing love to those guys, having to escort them out of our church? I think so. Was I also showing love to the 148 other people who were trying to eat lunch? I think so.
The love is in the delivery. People can tell when the things we say come from a cold heart or when they are birthed out of compassion. I made sure to tell them that I loved them as Christ does. And now, almost more importantly, they will see love and redemption in future encounters I have with them.
No comments:
Post a Comment