“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2, NIV
When Melinda started a ministry for hurting women and children, she went onto Twitter. She did an advanced search and followed everyone within a 25-mile radius of her neighborhood. She didn’t worry about how they looked, what their beliefs were, or how many followers they had.
“The goal of this ministry is to reach hurting people where they are…even if they look different than me. Even if they use language, I wouldn’t or have never stepped foot in a church. I just want to love people.”
Melinda regularly signs into Twitter and looks for updates from people who are having a difficult time or sound like they need encouraging. Then she sends them a quick direct message. She often says things like:
- I’m praying for you.
- Can I help with ABC?
- I believe in you.
- How are you doing today?
- What can I pray over for you?
Sometimes other users respond to her messages and sometimes they don’t. But that’s not the point for Melinda. She just wants to reach out and show Jesus.
Lord, help me to love other people even if they aren’t like me. Give me the spiritual vision to see beyond appearances into hearts that are hurting and in need of hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.