By Don Richardson

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.

My wife and I went to Independence, Missouri, to attend an event at the Temple. We arrived at our motel in the afternoon and walked to a nearby ice-cream shop. As we were finishing our treat, a young man and a child walked over from the gas station across the street.

Both were clean, neat, and well-dressed. I thought they were coming for a frozen treat.

Instead, they approached us, saying their car was out of gas and they needed a couple of gallons to get to their destination. Without asking any questions, I went with them to the gas station. I helped him push his car to a gas pump and put a couple of gallons in. He thanked me and went on his way.

After he left, I began to ask myself what “someone in need” looks like. This young man looked like a person who would have had money or credit cards. Had he forgotten his wallet at home? Should I have asked him more about his circumstances? Should I have asked him to “pass the good deed on”?

The scriptures remind us to be good neighbors and to help each other, no matter what they look like or how they dress. Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor—needs are not always obvious. This stranger and his child were God’s creations and therefore my neighbors.

I should try to act the way Jesus showed us and not question strangers in need.

Prayer Phrase

“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

Weaving a Life

Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads, mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.