Are you reaching out? Are you reaching in?

Reaching Out or Reaching In...... These two phrases sound so much alike, however, there is a difference in the action taken! Many of us have it on our hearts to reach out to people for new friendships, rekindle old ones, and for those in need that we may know, or that come across our path that are truly strangers. Depending on the situation, there can be a myriad of emotions that stream out of our hearts and minds when we reach out.
When a person reaches out to someone in need they are being obedient to what has been placed on their heart. This act of reaching out will be blessed. When you reached out by giving groceries to a family, making a dinner to someone who is home bound, or paid an overdue bill for a person really truly helped out.
Reaching in is an additional step! You go beyond the length of your arm! You take steps closer to the person..to the situation. Sometimes the smell is overwhelming to your senses. The cigarette smoke, the ugliness of drug use, the remnants of alcohol, or the body odor of days without bathing. These smells hit you and you may want to draw back, not taking that step to reach in. The encounter may shock your senses as to what your eyes see, what your nose smells, or what you might hear. Draw on the power and protection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If He has directed you to move in..move in. You have the power of the Holy Spirit to help guide you when you feel like you can't.
Let's face it. You really can't do it alone. He gives us what we need to reach in. So when you do reach in, doesn't God just take over?!! Hallelujah! It is only when you have reached in, can you truly know what emotions come in to play. What your heart and mind feel. Jesus, through you reached in and touched the rejected, the lonely, the unlovable. Most of you know the Good Samaritan parable out of Luke, chapter 10. Take time to read it again. What character do you most align with in your life today? We give glory, honor and praise to Jesus for helping us get past the ugliness of a situation, and see the person that is so loved and valued by our Heavenly Father. "And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2 NIV “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves