In one of his letters, John writes, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”  1 John 3:18 ESV  John is emphasizing to us the importance of not just telling people that Jesus loves them, but showing the love of Christ it to them. 

     During this month as we celebrate the holidays, I want us to do one intentional act of love each week that shows the love of Christ to someone who does not know Him.  When you do that loving act, I am asking you to present that person with one of the Love Your Neighborcards we will provide in the sanctuary foyer, the Family Life Center lobby, and in our church office.  These cards are Christmas cards that present our service times and also mention that the particular act of love was done as a gift from a member of Lakeview Baptist Church to show the love of Christ.

     Let me give you a number of ideas regarding how you can use these cards.  If you are going through the drive thru, pay for the person’s meal in the car behind you or contribute to the cost of the meal and leave the card with the cashier.  Pick out a family at a restaurant and discreetly let your waiter/waitress know you are buying their meal anonymously.  Ask the waiter/waitress to leave the card with the person or family.  Cook goodies for your neighbors, co-workers, etc. and leave a card with them.  Rake the leaves of a neighbor and leave a card in their door.  Have fun brainstorming how you can do loving acts for your neighbors and leave these Love Your Neighbor Christmas cards behind. 

     By doing these loving acts, you will be giving Christmas gifts to folks throughout our community that show the love of Christ in a tangible way and show the love that the Lakeview family has for this community.

     I am exicted to hear your stories of how you shared these cards throughout the month.  Stop me and tell me or email me at tim@lakeviewfamily.com.

     Have a great day!

Your Shepherd,

Tim