Reaching out on February the 14th

Yesterday, Carolyn McCulley posted a link to a thought provoking article of hers regarding why singles need to change their focus on February 14th from self-centeredness and self-pity to ministry (serving the poor and needy). She writes mainly for a female audience, but this article along with much of her other posts are very far-reaching and of interest to both genders.

Here are a couple of quotes worth thinking about:

"To encounter loneliness through the eyes of faith is to see opportunities to minister love. Grace translates singleness into outreach. There are plenty of people on Valentine’s Day or other holidays, parties or weddings – single and married – who need someone to carry God’s love to them. With this perspective, let’s resolve when we next feel lonely or awkward, to use those emotions to remind us that others nearby may be feeling the same way."

"There are three spiritual benefits to serving the poor and needy around us: 1) it glorifies God and blesses others, 2) it builds our local churches, and 3) it’s a great antidote to self-pity."