The Example of Goodness - Story

Rachel had always been the heart of our small community. Every Sunday, she prepared a meal after service, inviting anyone who needed a place to belong. Her kitchen was filled with the smell of homemade bread and simmering soup, but it was the laughter and warmth that truly nourished those who entered. This was Rachel’s embodiment of the goodness that flows from a life rooted in Christ, a living illustration of hesed, the steadfast love that God shows us.

One Sunday, after a particularly heavy week, Rachel noticed a young man sitting alone in the corner, his eyes downcast. She approached him, her heart full of compassion. “Come join us,” she said, her voice gentle yet firm. The young man hesitated but then followed her to the table. As the meal unfolded, Rachel shared her own struggles, her voice filled with hope and joy. “You see,” she told the group, “God leads us beside still waters, even when life feels chaotic. Your purpose is wrapped up in community, in love, and in sharing.”

By the end of the evening, the young man’s smile had returned, and he shared his own story of pain and hope. Rachel’s act of goodness transformed not just his heart but also the entire community, reminding us of Psalm 23:1-6—“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Rachel showed us that true goodness is not a solitary effort; it flourishes in love, community, and the shared journey of faith.