Daily Power #44

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. (Acts 2:46)

Amy and I have six children, and it’s amazing to see how our eating habits have changed over the years. When we first got married, you would have thought the four food groups were McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Burger King! With little kids, we needed food to be fast and cheap, and if it came with a toy that didn’t break before we got home, all the better.

These days if you were to open our refrigerator, you’d think you were in Whole Foods or at the farmer’s market. There are some cage-free eggs next to the lactose-free almond milk beside the gluten-free noodles made from broccoli stalks. Now when I’m feeling really rebellious, I drink whole milk from cows that I’m assured were treated less than humanely. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but not by much.)

One of the ways Jesus showed his love to those around him was by breaking bread with them. From Zacchaeus, the wee little tax man, to Mary and her sister Martha and their brother Lazarus, Jesus frequently ate with other people in their homes. He created quite a stir with the Jewish religious leaders who considered him scandalous for eating with sinners.

We can love people by finding common ground, especially if it involves sharing a meal together. When we dine together over the same food, we can experience a true and meaningful fellowship that honors our Savior and draws us closer to each other.

Today invite someone to share a meal with you.

Power Lift

God, help me to love others by finding ways to break bread with them. Today guide me to the person I can share lunch or coffee with, or at least invite to join me on another day.