Voluteering & loving our neighbors

"Do not be overwhelmed by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).

Evil is rampart everywhere and the world seems to be getting darker and darker. Cataclysmic events and tragedies seem to be striking out from every angle. It can be overwhelming. So what do we do?

When we see the world falling apart and feel helpless, there is always still something -- even one small thing -- we can do. We can all volunteer in some capacity of other. We all have the opportunity to make a difference, to sow seeds of good, to overcome evil with good.

There are so many ways we can volunteer. Homeless shelters always need help. Elderly people often need a hand to keep their homes in order, or just to hear someone read to them, and local communities in general depend on volunteerism to function at their best.

All kinds of people volunteer, even atheists. But to the Christian, it's not an option. It's a commandment. Jesus commands us to be salt and light, to make a difference so-to-speak, and to reach out to others in need everywhere. He tells us to love others as we do ourselves. He tells us to show love by our actions. And you don't have to go to Haiti or India to do that. You can begin right in your local area, your neighborhood.

Still not sure what that looks like?

Read my latest article -- and check out this cool video -- on the weekend of service which takes place in North San Diego County each year here in The San Diego Christian Perspectives Examiner.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright© May 2010

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