What Would Love Do?

Week one: love serves

I was hungry and you gave me food
In a loving environment where we know that our presence makes a positive impact, we gain emotional nourishment. We are surrounded by goodness, this is spiritual food. Feeding the hungry can mean anything from handing a bowl of soup to a homeless person on the street, to helping a friend use her talents.

Week two: love brings truth

I was thirsty and you gave me drink
Water is essential for life. Just as hunger and thirst are closely related, so are the desire for goodness (hunger) and the desire to know what is true (thirst). The deepest, most urgent questions we ask represent our thirst on an emotional level. Getting good "water" is essential for our mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Week three: love welcomes

I was a stranger and you took me in
We are social beings. We thrive on touch, communication, friendship. Without enough genuine connection we may find ourselves feeling lonely, anxious or depressed. Just as our bodies move from place to place, we are also on an inner journey. This week we have an opportunity to welcome the stranger, both physically and spiritually, by offering the kind of instruction that helps them feel included, known and loved.

Week four: love comforts

I was naked and you clothed me
Clothes keep us dry and warm, and protect us from harsh environments. Beyond that, they represent a freedom of expression, a sense of pride, confidence and identity. Nakedness can represent a certain state of mind, we may be full of self-doubt, feeling unworthy or ashamed. Offering clothing is reaffirming the truth about the person.

Week five: love visits

I was sick and you visited me
Being sick feels awful. Nothing helps us appreciate health more than having to lie in bed with fever and chills.But some people may not have any outward signs of illness, they are struggling internally and could use some kindness and compassion in their lives. Maybe we know someone who cheats. Maybe we know someone who treats others like dirt. Can we visit those who are sick in this way?

Week six: love is present

I was in prison and you came to me
Someone who sits behind bars often ranks high on the list of people to shun. Being present for someone who is stuck is yet another way to be a force of love in the world. Jesus tells us to find ways to be there for others who are in prison, either spiritually or physically, and to recognize our own internal messages that keep us trapped.

Week seven: love rejoices

As you have done it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it to me.
During this wrap-up week, we reflect on how it is a blessing to be able to be there for each other, comfort each other, and meet each other's needs. When it comes from love, we're doing it with joy. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, the choice is ours. When deciding what step to take, we can simply ask, What would love do?