Jim Cantelon wrote of meeting a widow who lived in a small hut in the slums of South Africa. The bone-thin woman cared for eighteen orphans, and another had arrived that day. The child’s family had died of AIDS. As Jim watched, the woman began weeping. “I just can’t take it anymore,” she cried. “I have nothing, no one, no hope.” Then she paused, and in a moment she lifted her hands to heaven, saying, “Ah, but I do have hope. I put my trust in my heavenly Father.” God gave her the strength to continue caring for those in unspeakable need.

Our world is filled with hidden heroes—Christians serving despite extreme poverty, constant persecution, and ravaging conditions. Many of us are more fortunate in our surroundings. But sometimes we’re less compassionate in our hearts. As children of God, we need to love those we meet regardless of our role in life. Our kindness may be the only way some people will ever see Christ. Our testimony can shine through our actions to bring light to a dreary life. We do have hope as we trust our heavenly Father. Perhaps we can pass that hope to someone else today. Let us be careful how we live. We may be the only Word of God some people ever read.

Matthew 5:16 KJV
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Luke 11:33
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;