God wants us to show His glory not by ritual fasting but by our kind and merciful actions among people. “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another” (Zechariah 7:9). Such actions are based on God’s love, and we are motivated by our love for Christ.

Most churches are small in my country, Japan. Yet, many of them begin reaching the poor and those who are suffering. Every year we have natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and landslides. Churches cooperate and try to help the areas by sending Christian volunteers and donations, and above all, by praying fervently. In this way, churches reflect Jesus’s love as the light of the world.

I’m sure it’s the beginning of revival.

Every Christian is called to become Christ’s stretched hands, to reach out to the broken society. How can we respond today? We are invited by Christ to show kindness in action.

Written by Ayako Kawasaki
Haggai leader, Japan