It’s easy to say we love people. It’s harder, and far more powerful, to love them well.

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus gives a clear command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This isn’t just a feeling. It’s a call to action, it’s putting it on your calendar every month or every week.  A call to step into someone’s life and respond to real needs in a real way. But here’s where many of us get stuck: We see the need… but we don’t always know how to meet it.  We see people, but what next?

Love That Is Wise and Intentional

Loving your neighbor doesn’t mean you have to be the answer to every problem. In fact, sometimes the most impactful love is helping them determine what is the first step they can do and then connecting them to the right help. God designed community so that no one person carries it all.  

When someone is struggling—with housing, finances, emotional support, or practical needs—there are often people, nonprofit ministries, or churches already equipped to step in. But, you can be the relationship connection, if God calls you to walk with the person.

Thriving on Purpose means: “I may not be the solution—but I care enough to listen and help you find it.”  Being willing to offer hope and possible solutions, pray with them and walk alongside them.  Thinking “How is God using this situation to bring them closer to him or their family?”

Knowing Who Can Meet the Need

Part of living on purpose is becoming aware of the resources around you.

Take time to ask:

• Who in my church helps with food or finances?
• What local organizations support families, single moms, or recovery?
• Who is already doing what this person needs?

Jesus didn’t just care about people, He responded with intention. We are called to do the same. When you know your community, you become a bridge to hope.

Love Goes One Step Further

Here’s where love becomes transformational: Don’t just give someone a phone number.
But, we are willing to help them make the connection and follow-up. 

If possible:

• Call or message the organization, let them know you are referring someone
• Help create a warm handoff

This removes fear, confusion, and isolation for the person in need.

It turns: “Here, try this” into “I’m walking with you through this.”

That’s real love.

Why This Matters

When we connect people to the right help:

• Needs are met more effectively
• People feel seen and valued
• Trust is built
• Community grows stronger

And most importantly, God’s love becomes visible. We stop operating in isolation and start living as the Body of Christ, each part doing its role.

God’s Promise

Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

We were never meant to do this alone. Loving our neighbor means stepping in—and sometimes stepping alongside others who are called to help.

Prayer

Lord,
Open my eyes to the needs around me.  Allow me to see people who need a friend.
Give me wisdom to know how to respond and humility to know when to connect others who can share love. Help me love with action, not just words. Use me as a bridge to serve neighbors in my community so others can experience Your care and provision.
Amen.

Thrive on Purpose Challenge

This week:

1. Identify one need you see in someone around you
2. Do what you can to provide hope and prayer support. 
3. Find a trusted resource (person, church, or organization) that can help
4. Make the connection—don’t just suggest it, support it

Bonus: Follow up with both the person and the resource

Thrive Thought

We love our neighbor best when we don’t just care, but we listen, do what we can do to walk with them, pray with them and then connect to community resources.

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