I don’t write about politics. Don’t worry I’m not about to start, but as you know the government is shut down. The good news is the government may be shut down, but Jesus never shuts down! I am not even pretending to know the mind of God, but I believe God is giving us a perfect opportunity to show us how to love like Jesus during the government shutdown.
Before You Say It
As many of you know, I live right outside of Washington, D.C. The government shutdown impacts several my friends who work for the government or are contractors. I know many people believe there is a lot of waste in government. I agree, but I also think there is a waste of some form in any company. However, that should not affect how we treat people in crisis.
The people I know who work for our government are people just like you and me. There is far more to the government than the President, Congress and those who work at the White House. While the military and the VA are fully funded through September 2019, many programs that support them are not. A majority of government agencies are affected in some way, and about one-fourth of federal employees are now going without a paycheck. Of those approximately 800,000 workers, nearly half are required to report for work without being paid.
What Would Jesus Do?
The government shutdown ultimately affects millions of people as the effect from the lack of services trickles down. I believe if Jesus were walking on earth today, he would be gathering the masses on Capitol Hill to give us a sermon about the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself. Share on XI believe if Jesus were walking on earth today, he would be gathering the masses on Capitol Hill to give a sermon about the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself.
As Christ followers, we have a responsibility to help those who are in need. Regardless of their political affiliation or who they work for, Jesus says we need to love our neighbor. What better way is there to express the love of Jesus than to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need?
Time to Put Faith in Action!
Are you ready to step up and allow your faith to take precedence over your personal views to help someone? We don’t have to agree with people or have the same opinions to love people as Jesus loves them. It isn’t our job to sway, change or judge people. It is our job to be an example of His love. Isn’t this precisely what Jesus did when he chose to spend time with those who were different than Him?
As believers, we are being watched all the time to see how we will react and respond. The enemy would love nothing more than to continue to give people a reason to doubt the love of Jesus. You and I can change that perspective if we are willing to change our own views. Think of how different our world could be if we just lived and loved like Jesus. Again, the government is shut-down, but Jesus nor His love never shuts-down.
What’s Love Got to Do with It?
We find a clear definition of what love is and isn’t in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
This scripture isn’t just a passage for weddings, but a clear reminder of how each of us is to live and love daily. How we demonstrate love and teach our children to love today will have an impact for generations to come.
What Can You Do?
The Christmas season just ended, when many people give to various non-profit organizations. However, hunger isn’t seasonal; it is year-round. With the increase in the number of people who will depend on food pantries, we can all help meet the need by collecting items and dropping them off at our local food pantry.
Maybe you know a struggling family personally. Think of what a few bags of groceries can mean to parents who are having to choose between paying the rent or mortgage and feeding their children. A jar of peanut butter and jelly, soups, tuna fish, vegetables, a gallon of milk and other staples can be a lifeline for a family on the fringe. If you prefer not to purchase groceries, a gift card to a grocery store or a gas station is always a welcome gift. You can always give a gift card anonymously if you choose to stay under the radar.
If you are having trouble relating, ask yourself how you would want people to help if you were in need. I’m sure you will come up with some great ideas. I would love to hear your thoughts too!
This Situation Could Be You or Me
The fact is, any one of us could find ourselves in a similar predicament. A recent article in the Guardian reports almost 80% of Americans say they live from paycheck to paycheck. Although the Senate has voted to give furloughed government workers their back pay eventually, this doesn’t include contractors or other private and non-profit businesses who work for the government.
I admit before moving to the D.C. area I didn’t understand the whole picture of all those affected by a government shutdown, but living here and attending church with those who are affected has opened my eyes wider to the full cost in human terms.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is if the government shutdown lasts, eventually someone you know, no matter where you live will be impacted by it in some way. I don’t have a political answer, but I do have a solution. Can we agree to remove our labels from one another, quit pointing our fingers at each other and embrace one another with love? Love is what changed the world and ultimately love changes each of us.
Give It Up for Love
Let’s give up our childish ways and allow God to work in each of our hearts. We all win with love! Perhaps that is the powerful lesson God desires to teach all of us. We can’t depend on the government or the systems of this world to provide and protect us from a crisis, but we can depend on Jesus to never shut down His love for us no matter what crisis we are facing. Let His love shine brightly in all you say and do!
1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NLT)
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Yes! It could happen to any of us. I love this.
Hi, Crystal!
Yes, Unfortunately, it really could be any of us. This is why it is so important to love and be kind to those in need.
It could be any of us. My heart goes out to everyone dealing with this. Thanks for all of the reminders!
Hi, Tea!
My heart goes out to all those affected by the shutdown and the people affected by the lack of funds in the various programs.
Me and the hubby are both government employees. We have been sent home and have had to work without knowing when our paycheck would come. Federal employees are furloughed every year- you kind of have to plan for it every October unfortunately. It can be a very stressful situation! Thanks for helping others be aware and helping a neighbor or friend (even something small like taking them a casserole one night) could be a huge help.
Hi, Amber!
I will be praying for your family. I am sure it is very stressful! I have family in the military and also who work for the government who are in the same situation. Praying for a quick resolve and in the meantime doing what I can to help those in my neighborhood.
Always good to give to non-profits year-round for sure!
Hi, Rebecca!
I agree! We never know when it could be us on the receiving end of the stick.
It could easily be any of us and my heart breaks for all of the families suffering because of it! No one wants to be in that situation. Great reminder of Jesus’ love!
Hi, Tabitha!
You are right no one wants to be in this situation and so many are hurting! I pray as believers we can extend the love of Christ to all those who God places in our path.
Such great advice to help others during this trying time
Hi, Amanda!
My heart is always to encourage and inspire the hearts of those who maybe need a new perspective and hope!
Such a great perspective. JEsus was and is all about helping others, loving our neighbor as ourselves… I am imagining Him preaching on Capital Hill!
Hi, Tiffany!
I would love to see the reactions of all those who think Jesus isn’t real on Capitol Hill! Yet, his mercy and grace abound for all of us! When we are the hands and feet of Christ everyone wins!
I really love this perspective. We need faith and love in all things, and especially times of uncertainty. Thanks for the reminder!
Hi, Dawn!
Yes, we need faith and love in all things every day! If we can change our perspective the possibilities are limitless!
Well said. If we all loved each other as we love ourselves like Jesus asks us to do, there would be peace everywhere. Unfortunately, we will only see that when we live forever with Him in Heaven.
Hi, Wendy!
Love is the answer! I’m not a Pollyanna, but I believe God’s word when He tells us how important love is and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Maybe, that is the real lesson God is trying to teach us is to die to ourselves and live and love for others.
I know the food bank in my city is providing food for TSA workers. I love how people come together, but sure hope the shutdown is over quickly!
Hi, Patricia!
Yes! What a wonderful thing to do! Our church is having breakfast and prayer for all those who want to gather in the mornings for encouragement. We have also been collecting food for the local food pantry too. It is sad that many times our country has to come together through difficulties. I pray it is over quickly too!
Thank you, Sheila! It’s nice to hear love when there is so much negative lately.
We are a Coast Guard family so this week will be our last paycheck. (Not saying this for sympathy at all, just saying this that we appreciate this article!) But, we trust in Jesus to carry us through and He will. What is awesome though is getting an up close and personal glimpse into those who are even way less fortunate than us. We always need reminded and should be a part of helping, not in the sidelines. ❤️
Thanks for your kind and wise words, Heidi
Hi Heidi!
I have been praying for your sweet family in all of this! Heidi, please let me know if you need anything! I know your faith is strong, but know you are not in this alone. I am with you sister asking God to cover, protect and provide for your sweet family in ways you can’t begin to imagine. Love you!
Jesus never shuts down! I love how you used 1 Corinthians 13 in this post, because I think you are right that too many people limit it to romantic love and it’s meant to be applied to every interaction we have. Great post!
Hi, Jordan!
Thank You for your kind words. Whenever I feel myself starting to feel judgemental in my love I repeat this scripture to myself all the time. There is a whole world out there that needs to be loved and have that love demonstrated to them by the body of Christ!
We should always be helping those who don’t have enough. I’m amazed at how the people who have lots of extra money don’t even know the people who work hard and don’t have enough to pay bills, even in their own churches. It’s time we got to know each other and stop living isolated lives where we don’t care about other people.
Hi, Susan!
I agree or that we don’t give to others based on their political views. Jesus doesn’t care how they vote. Jesus cares about their soul.
This “However, hunger isn’t seasonal; it is year-round.” So true. One of my favorite songs is by Avalon and it’s called “Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day” good stuff. On a side note, I actually didn’t realize you lived near D.C. – I’m pretty clueless most of the time.
Heather,
You are FAR from clueless! I love Avalon and appreciated their music. My address is in Maryland, but I only live about 10 miles from D.C. If you and your family ever want to come for a visit I have 2 extra bedrooms and a couch! We have welcomed many travelers wanting to visit D.C. Blessings dear friend!
Sheila,
Thanks for covering this. I can’t imagine having to work with no idea when I’d get paid! Your tips for helping out these families are spot on.
Catherine
Hi, Catherine!
I can’t imagine either and what the fall-out will be for many of those who are dependent on the programs the government offers to those in need of help. It is a great time for us to come together and do the right thing to help those in need.
Sheila, I appreciate so much that you addressed this issue. It reminds me once again of my responsibility as a Christian. It is not to judge, condemn or ostracize. I am to love and be the hands, feet and mouth of Jesus, but to speak what He wants me to speak, not what my predetermined creeds say. I didn’t know you lived outside DC. What a blessing that you can be encouragement to people who are affected by the shutdown. Keep sparkling, lady! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hi, Amy!
Thank You for taking the time to read and comment. I have to say it wasn’t until I lived here that I understood the whole picture and how biased I was towards a government shutdown. We tend to look at government as the enemy when in fact they are our brothers and sisters who are in need of the same grace as anyone else.