October 29
A Change
of Heart
"Anyone who hates their neighbor commits sin. But blessed is the person who is kind to those in need."
Proverbs 14:21 (NIrV)
Jared and Matty sat in their usual booth at Tony’s Pizzeria, the smell of garlic and melted cheese thick in the air. A Saturday night tradition—football on the TV, greasy pepperoni slices on their plates, and debates about life’s big questions.
Tonight’s topic? Immigration.
"I mean, our country can't take in everyone," Jared said, reaching for his soda. "We have our own problems. Homelessness, job shortages. Why should taxpayers fund people who come here illegally?"
Matty nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah, I get it. It's not like I hate them or anything, but if they’re illegal, shouldn’t they just go back? I mean, that’s the law."
They both agreed—mostly. It felt fair. Logical. But then Matty sighed, rubbing his temples.
"But, you know... God says we’re supposed to love people, right? Even the outsiders. Even if they don’t belong here legally. That part makes me feel weird about it."
Jared leaned back, crossing his arms. "Yeah… but where’s the line? Like, at what point does ‘love your neighbor’ mean we just let everyone in?"
Neither had an answer. They sat in silence for a moment, the TV commentator droning on about the game. Then, Jared’s gaze drifted to the window.
Outside, a man stood hunched in the cold, holding a sign: Hungry. Please help.
Jared frowned. He had seen the guy before, always in the same spot. He never paid much attention—just another person in need. But tonight, something felt different.
“Hold on,” Jared said, getting up. He walked outside, Matty trailing behind.
The man looked up, his eyes tired but kind. Jared hesitated, then handed over the untouched half of his pizza.
“Hey, man. Here. Stay warm, alright?”
The man’s face lit up in surprise. “Thank you,” he whispered, gripping the box.
As Jared walked back inside, something in his chest felt… lighter. Like a weight he hadn’t even known was there had lifted.
Matty slid into his seat, shaking his head with a small grin. “Well, that was unexpected.”
Jared shrugged. “I don’t have all the answers about immigration. But maybe loving our neighbor doesn’t have to be political. Maybe it just starts with kindness.”
Matty nodded slowly. “Yeah… maybe it does.”
That night, as Jared lay in bed, he whispered, “God, I don’t know where to draw the line. But help me to love people the way You do.”
And somehow, he knew that was a good place to start.
Prayer:
Father,
You command us to love our neighbors, but sometimes, it’s hard to know how.
We get caught up in politics, opinions, and our own sense of fairness.
But Lord, You don’t call us to figure everything out—you call us to love.
Soften our hearts. Help us to see people the way You do, beyond labels and legalities.
Give us wisdom to act with both justice and mercy, and courage to show kindness, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Thank You for Your grace, for loving us even when we were outsiders to You. Teach us to extend that same love to others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
