The subject of a popular Christian song by Matthew West, called “Do Something,” examines the age-old dilemma of pain and suffering in our world. The lyrics cry out, “God, why don’t you do something?” Then, the composer writes his rendition of God's answer, saying, "I did, yeah, I created you.”  

As Christ-followers, we are called to be something other than self-serving beings. We are summoned to servanthood, like Jesus.   

We gather in houses of worship to honor God as a community of believers, but there is more to Christian life than Sunday-morning worship. Symbolically, we are part of the body of Christ—His hands and feet. We are meant to follow in His footsteps to be messengers of His love and Salvation.   
   
God is the ultimate source for all of our needs. Yet, we weren’t meant to do everything alone. A most important resource is you and me—and all of God’s people together.

The Lord gave us each other—to love, help, encourage—and carry each other’s burdens. And that is one good thing!

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Rom. 12:13
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12

(Photo courtesy of "Gareth 1953 All Right Now")
 
 
            

When I was a little girl, my Sunday School teacher said, "Jesus lives in your heart." In childlike innocence, I imagined a miniature life-size version of Jesus residing there and wondered how he'd have room to live, sleep or eat in that little space. Others in my class probably wondered the same thing.
  
As we got older, we understood that it is Jesus' Spirit that dwells inside our hearts.  
  
Years passed. As an adult, I began to question whether we entirely "took to heart" that the Lord resides within us. It was easy to imagine when things were going well. But when faced with difficulties, sometimes we forget He is still with us: in sadness, loss, or mourning; when overwhelmed or devastated; when suffering physically, mentally, or spiritually; when alone or isolated; in this present time of the pandemic, or in other instances that make us question our faith.  
 
But there are no "if's or buts" regarding God's promises. Scripture provides us with the reassurance that He is with us at all times, such as the following verses:     
     
"…I am with you always, even to the end of the age." – Matthew 28:20
"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." – Deuteronomy 31:8
"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"
-  1 Corinthians 3:16
"But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him." – 1 Corinthians 6:17
" By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit."
– 1 John 4:13
 
I like to think this is the Lord's way of saying, "I Carry You In My Heart." His unconditional love covers us and surrounds us at all times—and He never lets go.  
    
How's that for love?

Happy Valentine's Day!