Yesterday, I was at the Hinesville Cars & Coffee, one of the local car meets I try to attend regularly to film for our media brand, The Customized Ride. Many people don’t realize that the car community is about far more than just cars – it’s about the environment, the camaraderie, and the way people look out for each other. It’s a true community, and there’s a lot we can learn from that.
The Power of Community
As the event wrapped up and people were starting to leave, a group that had driven over an hour to attend found themselves in a tough spot. One of their trucks wouldn’t start. Rather than leave their friend behind, everyone stuck around to help. It wasn’t just their immediate group – others from different areas came over to lend a hand.
People were under the hood, under the truck, doing whatever they could to diagnose the issue. Some lent tools, others offered advice, and they even had to make two trips to the auto parts store. No one was going to leave until the truck was either back on the road or towed. Eventually, the problem was fixed, and everyone left together.
This spirit of community and mutual aid reminded me of what Paul wrote in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” It’s a beautiful reflection of how we, as followers of Jesus, are called to live. In a world quick to pass judgment, Jesus’ teachings consistently remind us to respond with compassion instead. One of the most striking examples of this is the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Lessons from the Car Community
Watching this unfold made me reflect on how society used to operate. There was a time when communities consistently showed up for each other. If someone’s barn needed raising, the whole town pitched in. If a family was struggling, neighbors would share food or resources. Somewhere along the way, we’ve drifted from that.
Proverbs 27:10 says, “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family.” Yet, it often feels like we’ve forgotten the importance of being there for one another. The car community, in this case, demonstrated the kind of love and service that Jesus taught – the kind that doesn’t wait to be asked but steps in when a need arises.
Personal Experiences of Kindness
I remember when our car broke down at church. We were waiting for a tow truck, but the wait time was nearly four hours, meaning it would be around 2 AM before the driver could get to us. A few people stayed with us, offering to drive Sandy and the kids home so they wouldn’t have to wait outside. It might seem small, but that kindness made all the difference. We found a way for me to go with them too!
Another time, years ago, we were on the brink of financial collapse when our car starter went out. We needed $180, and I had no idea how we’d manage it. A friend showed up, handing me $265 and telling me not to worry about paying him back. He said it was a blessing he wanted to give. That act of generosity reminds me of Acts 2:45, “They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
Breaking the Cycle of Judgment
Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a growing trend, particularly online, among people — including many Christians. – being quick to judge those in need. There’s this attitude of, “I worked hard for everything I have. They should do the same.” While there’s truth in the value of hard work, we’re also reminded in James 2:15-16, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
Helping someone doesn’t mean you’re enabling them. Sometimes, that hand-up is the very thing that allows them to get back on their feet. Jesus didn’t hesitate to meet people’s needs – whether it was healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or forgiving the broken. One of the clearest examples of this is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan didn’t question why the man was on the road or what choices he made to end up in trouble. He simply stopped, tended to his wounds, and made sure he was cared for. Jesus used this story to illustrate that loving our neighbor means acting with compassion, not judgment.
When we help others, we are called to show love without judgment, offering kindness even when we don’t fully understand someone’s story. This is the kind of love that Jesus taught us.
The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
Another powerful example is the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14). A boy’s small lunch of five loaves and two fish seemed insignificant in the face of such a large crowd. Yet, in Jesus’ hands, that small offering multiplied to feed thousands. This story reminds us that even small acts of kindness, when given to God, can have a tremendous impact. You may think what you have to offer isn’t much – a small donation, a kind word, or a simple prayer – but in God’s hands, it can be multiplied beyond what you can imagine.
A Call to Action
I know we can’t help everyone. If we tried, we’d burn out or end up in need ourselves. But if each of us helped just one person – even in a small way – the ripple effect could be incredible. Maybe it’s leaving an extra-large tip for a server who seems to be having a rough day. Maybe it’s covering someone’s groceries or simply offering to pray with them. What if the smallest thing you do today becomes the biggest blessing in someone else’s life? Whether it’s offering your time, resources, or simply a listening ear, every act of kindness has the potential to echo far beyond what you can see.
Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we serve others, we’re serving Christ.
Final Thoughts
My hope in sharing this is to spark something in you. Maybe you’ll look at the people around you differently. Maybe the next time you see a need, you’ll feel nudged to step in, even if it’s inconvenient. Just like that group at the car meet refused to leave until their friend was back on the road, we have the opportunity to stand by others in their moments of need. When we embody this kind of love, we reflect Christ’s heart for the world.
Go out and make someone’s day. Whether it’s big or small, let’s start rebuilding the kind of community Jesus envisioned. It might just change someone’s life – and it might change yours, too.
Living a God-Inspired Life,
Chris