As we slide into summer, the San Diego Rescue Mission is getting excited about what it looks like to love our neighbors in this season!
In Matthew 25, Jesus describes a group of people as being “blessed by the Father,” and when they ask what they did to deserve that honor, he says,
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.
The people he’s talking about don’t recall having done any of those things, and Jesus replies, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
As Christians, we are called to treat all of our neighbors with love and kindness, but Matthew 25:40 reminds us that showing love to those who can’t give us anything in return carries a special promise: we get to see the face of Jesus through those interactions. It is also a reminder that small acts of kindness count in God’s Kingdom.
Summer in San Diego is a perfect time to put this verse into action. With the hot weather and lingering impacts of COVID 19, there are neighbors all across the county who would be grateful for a drink of water, a clean set of clothes, a simple sandwich.
Over the summer months, the Rescue Mission will be sharing fresh opportunities to meet the tangible needs of our vulnerable neighbors.
Here are a few to get you started:
Prayer
Join us in praying for:
People in the residential recovery program here at SDRM
People who are job searching
People who still live on the streets
SDRM staff and other frontline workers
Service
There will also be many opportunities to put love into action through hands-on service in the community.
You and your church, school or business can come to the Rescue Mission and host:
Game nights! Music lessons! Art classes! Dance lessons! Workshops! Check out more service opportunities here.
Can’t make it to the Mission but still want show kindness to our homeless neighbors living on the streets?
Here are three simple ways to serve with compassion:
Give a pack of bathing wipes and a pair of crew socks Offer simple, foldable camping stools for an anytime place of rest Keep extra umbrellas in your trunk to bring needed shade from the heat
Nourishment
Another great way to care for your neighbors who live on the streets is by looking out for their physical needs.
During the hot summer months, this could include:
Fruit Bottled water Gatorade PB&J sandwiches Hygiene kits First aid kits $5 gift cards to local restaurants
In God’s Kingdom, every act of kindness counts – both large and small.
For even more ways to connect with Jesus through loving our neighbors this summer, follow us on social media.
