In my recent vlog about why you need to love your neighbor, I promised I would tell you how! One of the ways I love my neighbor that’s proven the most successful is to bring them food. Whether they have had surgery, death of a loved one, a new baby, a new house, a bad day, I’ve never yet found a person who wasn’t receptive to me bringing them a dose of homemade goodness in the form of a meal or shared food from my table.
A few weeks back, a friend of mine had surgery and even though it affected her ability to eat, I delivered a few meals to feed her hubby and parents as they cared for her. Later I found out she hadn’t actually gotten to eat ANY of the food, so I determined to remedy that with a special delivery of my “Love Your Neighbor Soup.”
My soup treasures, a gift from a dear friend
You might already know this soup is no ordinary soup, perhaps because you’ve heard previous tales of my sharing with folks in their time of need, or perhaps because you’ve eaten it yourself.
I never make just enough for my family. The pot is always at the point of bubbling over – just ask my stove, and it will wield its shiny surface covered with splatter marks to prove it.
And God always shows me who should get it.
Last week was no different. I had a busy day, having just returned from out of town, with a training event scheduled that night. I made a full pot so I’d have enough soup for my girls to eat for dinner and to deliver to my friend the next day.
First, the soup fed me and my girls in the early hours of the evening before I left home. Then a friend stopped by and I offered her a bowl to join us. She obliged, saying she hadn’t eaten all day because she was staying on her own a few days with her sister. I also packaged up enough for her to take home for both of them.
Minutes later, I learned the friend I was meeting that evening wouldn’t have time to eat dinner beforehand. I brought her a to-go of soup, too. And, I still had the original portion ear-marked to deliver the next day to my friend who’d had surgery.
I fed my own family dinner, AND gave away 3 additional batches of soup
I’m telling you – this soup seems to multiply as if I’m making it on the shores of the Sea of Galilee!
So what’s my secret ingredient?
The secret ingredient in my soup is prayer.
I pray over every pot. Sometimes I pray for Him to show me who should get it that day. Other times I pray blessing upon the person I’m already making it for.
My prayers aren’t eloquent, long, or perfect.
They’re just heartfelt, silent prayers that God would bless and show love to whoever receives my soup that day.
And every time, God multiples even my most meager efforts.
When I am willing, he brings someone who needs even what little I have to offer.
Keep these “ingredients” stocked in your repertoire and you will always be ready to love your neighbor with food.
- A prayerful heart – Pray for God to show you who might need your soup today! And if you already know who’s getting it, as you stir, chop, mix or pour, pray for him to bless whoever is receiving your “soup” that day. (of course you don’t have to make soup – just pray over whatever food you make! Soup just often ends up serving more people because I make it in the largest quantity I can)
- A prepared kitchen – stocked with ingredients and disposable dishes for delivery. (I also keep a stash of blank cards for messages)
- A willing body – so that you will be obedient to serve. Even if it means getting out of that comfy chair (or even your pjs) to deliver a container full of love when He calls.
Do you have any “secret ingredients” for loving your neighbor?