If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. 1 John 3 17-19

While I was in college at the University of Kentucky I joined the Wesley Foundation - the United Methodist Campus Ministry.   Although I had been confirmed several years before, it was here that I laid the real "foundation" for my faith journey. The friendships that began there continue to bless my life.

During my junior year I had begun to finance my education on my own - and was anticipating a scholarship from the United Methodist Church. I was honored to be granted one, but it was delayed in arriving for several weeks. However, tuition and book fees were due. A young couple, who were very active at the Foundation (but by no means affluent) came to me and offered me the money so I could register and stay in school. Humbled, I accepted and when the scholarship money arrived later in the semester paid them back. That generosity began a lifelong friendship. They had a young child and I became her big brother/uncle and never blinked an eye when the chance came to give the parents a night out and watch Nikki.   Years later when I had moved on in my career I had the opportunity to extend them a similar gesture when they had a short term problem themselves. Over the years I continue to donate to scholarship organizations, love to sponsor a care package twice a year to a college student from our church family, and still never blink an eye when I have the honor to stay with a young couple's children to give them an evening out. (Although for some reason I am much more worn out afterwards than I recall from college...)

Many times it is not just the tragic or downtrodden or outcasts who are in need of our compassion and help- it could well be the person sitting in the pew in front of you. And extravagant generosity, close to home or around the world, lifts up one's heart as they know that their own life is enriched every day by others tenfold the amount they gave.

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