Real-World Goodness - Illustration

As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus charges us to go and make disciples, we find ourselves at the heart of what it means to express goodness through worship and service. This isn’t merely a call to fill pews or teach classes; it’s an invitation to engage in the very fabric of our community with joy and purpose. When we see the word "go," we realize it’s an active command, urging us to step beyond our comfort zones and into the lives of others.

Imagine a single mother in our congregation, juggling work while raising her children. One day, she finds herself overwhelmed and unsure of how to make it through the week. She receives a phone call from a fellow church member who shows up with groceries and offers to take the kids for a few hours. This act of kindness is goodness in action—real-world goodness that reflects the love of Christ. It’s a tangible reminder that our faith calls us to serve one another, to worship not just in song but through our hands and feet, manifesting hesed, or steadfast love.

Each of us has the power to bring light into someone’s darkness, to provide hope in moments of despair. Let us embrace our mission with awe, recognizing that as we serve, we are worshiping. Together, let’s cultivate a community where goodness flows freely, allowing our faith to transform lives, including our own, as we answer the call to make disciples, one act of love at a time.