Daily Devotion

“In social service the Christian women will be able to mold those outside of their immediate home sphere. Already an army of Bible-women and day school teachers are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the land and are bringing light and life to thousands of homes which would be otherwise cut off from all means of advancement, intellectual as well as spiritual; nurses, doctors, and higher grade teachers are also adding their quota of enlightenment and you have a leaven of immeasurable value in the development of the country.”

Ida Kahn (Kang Cheng) · "The Place of Chinese Christian Women in the Development of China," The Chinese Recorder 50 (October 1919): 659–662

Scripture

1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Reflection

Dr. Ida Kahn's faithful practice of taking up her cross and walking among the suffering during turbulent times is the most profound reflection of 1 John 3:18. Loving one another has never been a beautiful slogan in a church, nor cheap sympathy on the tip of the tongue, but a real intervention in the hardships and sufferings of others. True faith is highly actionable. Today, have we also become accustomed to replacing action with words? When people in need appear around us, may the Lord root out our apathy and selfishness, grant us the courage to step out of our comfort zones, and live out the fragrance of Christ's life in small, real actions and sincere, unfeigned love.