 In Monday’s devotional, I (Melissa) shared a story about how the ordinary act of someone buying me a cup of coffee served as a great reminder of God’s gifts to us.
Following that post, a friend of mine shared a comment about how much she loved doing those physical acts for others because each of them carry the unmistakable message of Christ’s love delivered in a way that is real to us. (Paraphrased) I’ve thought about her comment a lot this week. It speaks to my heart. And it convicts me. Here’s why. There’s no doubt that it’s a great thing when we can see those undeserved gifts from God in the random acts of kindness that someone bestows upon us. Certainly, we should relish in those moments. But as followers of Jesus, it’s equally important for us to be on the giving end of those little acts that send the big message. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 Once I’ve spent some time praising and thanking God for His unconditional love and for His gifts of grace, forgiveness, peace and salvation, it’s time for me to find ways that I can share that message. Friends, today it’s my turn to buy the coffee. It’s my turn to seek out those everyday physical acts that I can offer to one another - both friends and strangers - to send the unequivocal message that God’s love is offered to each and everyone one of us. It doesn’t have to be a cup of coffee (although it can be!). It can be a phone call or text to someone I know is struggling. It can be a handwritten card to the woman I pass by at church week after week. It can be offering my place in the grocery store checkout line to the mom behind me struggling with her toddler’s tantrum. It can be a plate of cookies for the elderly neighbor. It can be letting the other person have the closer parking spot at Target. It can be a heartfelt apology to someone who has said or done something that hurt or angered me. Today, I’m shifting my focus. Instead of merely looking for ways that God’s gifts are made tangible to me, I’m also looking for ways that I can be the gift-giver. I want to seek out the opportunities and I want to choose to take action with the sole intention of sharing the love of Jesus. No expectations. No paybacks required. Just as He did for us. Will you join me?
1 Comment
Rhonda Pfister
2/27/2015 12:22:53 am
I have always felt like I work hard on loving others, encouraging those who may need it, picking up the tab when out to lunch with a friend and no strings attached. For some reason I am in a season of running on empty. In my line of work I give myself all day then head home to continue the act of giving for my family. After all, they are precious to me and I know God placed them in my life to love on. But the past few months my heart is heavy. I know we should love on other, do for others like Jesus did and still does for us. But there is an small space deep in my soul that feels left out because I am not often on the receiving end of that love from others. So I fight with my own soul about not needing that love from others, or the kind gestures I give to those around me because I have a God that loves me like no one else can. So my human self will continue to buy the next cup of coffe, and do it with love as Jesus commands us to do. But my heart aches for the day someone buys that cup of coffee for me. I'm still a work in progress. Leave a Reply. |
This space is reserved for Founder Mandy's perspectives and viewpoints of Scripture. Man is fallible, but God is not. It's strongly encouraged that you study the Scripture for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your understanding.
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