Acts 28:2
"And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold." NKJV
When someone is going through a tough time or tough place, they especially need love and mercy. It could be a waiter or waitress struggling with serving your meal or the cashier having a hard time at the grocery store. Sometimes, just asking someone how they are doing makes all the difference. Believers should be so much more loving and kind than people who do not believe in Jesus. In fact, the comparison shouldn't even be close. Isn't it often though that these folks are more loving, kind, and gracious than those of us who say we follow Jesus? Since we've been shown so much love and mercy, shouldn't we be quick to show that same love and mercy to others? Sometimes though, it all gets lost in the shuffle, doesn't it? I mean, you see someone who is obviously struggling, and you have every intention of walking up to them to comfort and encourage, but then this is going on over there and then that other thing and soon we've forgotten about the person who is struggling. Jesus, in the midst of all that was going on around him, always managed to love and encourage those who were hurting. So should we.
1 John 4:20: "If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?" NLT
Life Lesson: Love God, love people.
Dear God,
Thank You for Your love. Please help me to show others the love that You show me. Please give me an attitude of Jesus in seeking to show love and mercy to others. Give me a heart of humility, and forgive me for those times when I have not shown love. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
