October 14, 2020 | Dan Low
Dear Bread of Life family,
Although physically separated by distance, the apostle Paul expresses his heart to both churches and individuals—letting them know how much he loves and cares for them. While distance continues to separate us from our customary venues of learning, work, recreation, and worship, we want to communicate our affection and dedication to each one of you! We truly praise God for you and your vital presence in our Bread of Life family! As the body of Christ, the Spirit enables us to stimulate one another toward love and good deeds. Whether we meet virtually to exalt God in our livestream services, to intercede together as brothers and sisters (through Line, WhatsApp, and Zoom), or to gather as a smaller group of believers on multiple platforms, we hope to draw closer to Jesus and to lead others into his kingdom.
Perhaps more than ever before, our church has become mindful and grateful for the ways that we can bless others both inside and outside of our church with the resources that God has entrusted to us. Writing to the churches in Galatia, Paul explains the enduring impact of our everyday choices (sowing and reaping in 6:7-9). He then draws an application on what that means for us (6:10): “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” While we have the privilege and the resources, we can show God’s goodness in our community by doing good to our neighbors.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, God has granted us the opportunities to donate personal protective equipment to our local hospitals, nursing homes, and senior living communities. We have also had the chance to provide THANK YOU meals to our local firefighters, police officers, and the frontline staff in our Torrance-area hospitals. These are all small gestures that signify how grateful we are for the significant roles that they fulfill with such courage and perseverance to keep us all safe and healthy. On top of all this, our members have shared thousands of masks with our neighbors and friends (enclosed in an envelope with John 16:33 printed on it).
While we aim to do good to everyone around us, the New Testament shines a particular spotlight on the good that we practice within the household of faith. In the same way that COVID-19 has affected some groups more than others, we recognize that some churches may struggle more than others during this time. With needs increasing, there may also be a corresponding decrease in finances. Through God’s grace, our church has been blessed with the opportunity to financially support other local churches here in SoCal (San Gabriel Valley), up in the Bay Area (East Bay), and across the Pacific (Southeast Asia). It’s a simple, yet tangible way that we can convey our love for those who belong to the family of believers as well as our shared partnership in the gospel. When we become aware of more needs like these, we will do whatever good we can for other like-minded churches.
In his second letter to Corinth, Paul talks again about the law of the harvest—the principle of sowing and reaping (9:6). His takeaway for the church in Corinth as well as our church in Torrance: Having experienced God’s gracious provision to us, we can generously provide for others (9:8: And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.). Being light for Jesus translates into doing good for others.
As we wait upon the Lord for the right and safest time to reopen our church facility to public gatherings, let’s continue to seize this moment for his kingdom—especially during such a critical season for our nation and world!
Thankful for the good that we can do together as the Bread of Life Family,
Bread of Life Church Ministerial Staff
