“Kristin Colino is a beautiful example of what God can do through our pain and struggles. Her story is a testimony that our identity is not defined by our illness but in Christ alone. Kristin's faith and resilience make her a fierce advocate for mental health. God has gifted Kristin with a heart for serving others.” - 42 year-old, Peer/Consumer and Writer/Speaker, November 2019

THE HEart

God heals from the inside out. He looks at the condition of our hearts in the midst of our brokenness and offers transformation and a renewing of the mind. But part of the process is being an active participant, being present. When we interact with others through community, through friendships, and through relationships it encourages us to be vulnerable and open our hearts. Still, sometimes loving a stranger is easier than loving oneself.

It’s no wonder we have a hard time expressing loving kindness to our neighbor when we have no idea what is stirring in our own hearts daily. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Do you ask God to examine your motives, your decisions, and your actions? Part of being a human being is making mistakes, but we all need to confess our sins to our Heavenly Father and express a repentant heart.

It is difficult if not impossible to show compassion toward another without witnessing God’s ability to show mercy and forgiveness. His ways are not our ways, and we are to love and live like Jesus himself. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). Loving God is the first step in a long journey toward loving yourself; thereby, loving others in the Church, and loving your neighbor.

So, what would life look like if you showed up prepared to witness the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in you? Where in your life are you finding the joy of the Lord, and how can you turn that into a passion to serve others? Encourage one another to step forward into a world of dysfunction and offer God’s grace. It is right to share your testimony, but (as James points out) we are to act in faith. Because without a servant’s heart, we are still slaves to the law of sin and death. Volunteer your time, find a cause, and model the works of Jesus as he washed the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17).

#LOCAL COMPASSION

The goal here is to find your own circle of influence in your school, in your work, in your community, and in your city. The opportunity to minister is all around us, and it does not require a degree in Theology. Where do you feel you can make a difference, how do you react to situations, what are you sacrificing for the sake of others? There is no shortage of places in need of your kindness and your time. The best part is you do not have to have it all together as a Christian to be an example, an encouragement, or a mentor. You just need to allow yourself to be God’s vessel.

#VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Making the time to serve within your church or at another nonprofit organization needs to be a priority in your life. When we as Christians provide assistance to another human being, a mission or cause, or simply on Sundays, we as individuals experience growth. Indeed we are God’s hands and feet, the light in a world clouded by darkness. Where can you shine? Have you identified your spiritual gifts? Do you bear the Fruit of the Spirit? Abide in Christ and in return he will honor your benevolence. Find your niche and your Spirit will not only thrive but blossom.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead… Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. - James 2:14-18