By Nancy Virden (c)2020
One of the most important foundations of a fulfilled life is the act of giving. Holidays, church services, office birthday parties – these are a few of the times we expect to give either cash or presents. It feels good to feel good about giving.
Then there are public emergencies. Floods, hurricanes, fires – these are when we witness the brave stepping up to use whatever they have to help strangers. No hero-worship, no financial gain, not even thanks are expected or received. Feel-good giving is what happens when purpose and action meet a need. That is why giving is good for mental health.
Instead of feeling stuck at home and wasting time with TV and social media, we can have the joy of giving, and the fulfillment of genuine purpose and hope. Love your neighbor can look like so many different ideas.
A most excellent way
1 Corinthians 12 is part of a long letter the apostle Paul wrote to his church in the city of Corinth. He was concerned for them. His letter was parental, authoritative, and compassionate. This particular portion was a spiritual pep talk, an exciting invitation to the adventure of living with purpose while considering no one better than another.
One can imagine the sense of anticipation among the first readers. Paul said that God had endowed each follower of Christ Jesus with spiritual gifts that could change the world. Just as their wonder and excitement reached a peak, Paul left them with a cliffhanger. “And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (verse 31).
Paul repeated the spiritual gifts he had encouraged them to use moments ago, and added that none of it counted if love was not their motive. 1 Corinthians 13 is considered The Love Chapter. This brilliant essay on the true nature of love is exactly what he referred to as the most excellent way.
Love that is sincere and from the heart, does not consider reward before taking action. Love costs us something; time, cash, and prestige are each sacrificial lambs on the altar of love.
Today’s Coronavirus Purpose – Making masks
Here is the best pattern for facemasks I’ve seen yet. Follow this link for easy instructions: Source: Face Mask Pattern – Free Sewing Pattern • Craft Passion
Fabric, thread, sewing machines and even sewing lessons are available online. I’m using cotton from old (washed) clothing and pillow cases. This does not have to be expensive. Once you have the process down, each mask can take about 10 minutes to finish. Go for it!
Today’s Helpful Word
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV)
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight 