Loving others may seem like an obvious way of building a culture of compassion and care. Yet in the challenging times that we have faced these past few years, it has often been the most obvious things that have proven the most difficult. Have you struggled to regain meaningful connections with others since the pandemic? Have you chosen to settle with living more on your own, independently of others?

As you reflect on your experience here, recall that in the Hebrew Scriptures the foundation of community for God’s people was summed up in the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18). Perhaps we need to be reminded of how our love for others contributes not just to their well-being, but our own as well. Explore the following resources to discover more about the way our shared experience of compassion and care depends on showing love for others.

In a world where everyone is on the go, it’s difficult at times to even think about resting, much less actually doing so. Even when we step away and take time to relax from our busy schedules, many times we see those who cannot or will not follow suit, soon to be overwhelmed with exhaustion. We are called by God to be our brothers and sisters’ keeper, and one way to fulfill that call is by helping each other to rest and relax. This will not only benefit each other, but ultimately will benefit many others with whom we come in contact each, and every day.

Waiting can be so frustrating. It is estimated we spend two years of our lives waiting: waiting for the doctor, waiting for a bus, waiting for our children, waiting in line to get a meal, waiting on hold despite the joy of knowing our call is important. Too often we view waiting as wasted time. But we know we wait for the bus to arrive because other people at prior stops need to get where they are going. The activities our children participate in are important for their social, emotional, and spiritual development. Other people need to eat just as other people have needs that must also be addressed and so we wait on hold for our turn. Waiting well is not simply an experience inconvenient to us but a recognition of the value and dignity of others. The following activities help us to become more aware of the power of waiting, and how our ability to wait well can affirm the dignity and value of others.

Each new year, we begin a new journey. We are never alone on our journeys, as they often involve or affect others. Many times, part of our journey is stepping into and walking with another on their journey. According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition of the word journey is “an act of traveling from one place to another.” There are many journey references in the Bible, always leading a people from one place to another, and usually for their benefit as God sees fit. Joseph, son of Jacob, though sold into another land by his jealous brothers, traveled a journey that ended up bringing many good benefits for so many people, including his brothers (Genesis 37). As we continue our journey, let us keep in mind where God is leading us, and for what purpose. Who will benefit from the good we do on our journey?

We may often hear someone say, “your presence is blessing to others”, referring to what we do or say that brings God’s comfort and peace to those around us. The definition of the word blessing is to be in God’s favor and protection. When we extend God’s blessing to others, we allow others to be touched by God’s love, compassion, favor and protection.

As we walk this journey of life with each other and as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called people to love their neighbors as themselves, encouraging them to see everyone as our neighbor. Through his inclusive definition of neighbor, Jesus calls us to contribute to the common good by showing kindness to one another. At its heart, kindness involves a generosity and goodness that seeks to advance well-being, our own and that of others. Treating others with kindness can change the world one small act at a time. This activity promotes practices to increase the kindness that we show to others.

As we pass through these difficult times as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. This love invites each of us to reflect on how we care for others. One way to care for others is through practices that promote joy. Joy is a deep, abiding appreciation and acceptance of God’s love for us, a love that brings peace, gratitude, and hope, even in times of adversity and loss. This activity promotes practices to increase joy in our lives and the lives of others.