Imagine if things like this were the norm . . .

A famous church in Lynchburg has responded to the needs of people in the community affected by recent violent storms and oppressive heat. From the Christian Post:

"Our church staff and more than 450 volunteers have rallied together to provide a comprehensive relief center on the church campus," said Jonathan Falwell, senior pastor. "We are offering water, ice, meals, overnight sleeping areas, medical services, shower facilities, cooling areas and even a section for pets."

. . .

The church has also opened its doors on a 24/7 basis allowing nearly 500 people to stay overnight and take advantage of sleeping centers, air conditioning and electricity. Affected residents of Virginia and surrounding states had to go for days without any power after the strong coastal storms this past weekend.

Imagine if every time there was a disaster or hardship, churches threw open their doors to help. Imagine if people associated Christianity with love and compassion rather than with preoccupation with sex, namely what other people do behind closed doors. Imagine if people began to believe in the love of God because Christians were the best examples of how to love others, including people they consider enemies. Instead of loving war. Instead of bigotry and hatred. Instead of trying to politicize God.

Is not our mission to be an effective witness for the love of God? If we truly believed that, then stories like the one in the Christian Post would not be newsworthy. People would expect Christians acting in love instead of being surprised by it.