Posted By admin on March 1, 2010
By Dale Walton
Colossians 3:12-13, 17 Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks.
Several years ago, I was sitting in a small local restaurant, enjoying my breakfast. I’m sure my husband will be the first to agree, that sometimes my focus of attention strays from what is being said to what is going on around me. An elderly woman had been sitting at a table eating alone. I watched as she paid her bill, and struggled to get up, holding the table to steady herself. As she gained her balance, she began to look around. She seemed to be looking in the direction of the table next to me, where four rather strong young men were also dining. They were having a great time talking and laughing together. She made her way to their table, walking very slowly and in a rather wobbly fashion. When she reached them, I heard her ask the following, in a shy, shaky voice, “Would one of you gentlemen be so kind as to walk me across the street? My balance is not good and I have difficulty seeing. There is so much traffic on this street, I am afraid to cross by myself.” I waited, in the silence, and watched the expression of this poor woman’s face. I could only imagine how difficult it must have been for her to ask for their help in the first place. There was more silence, and not one of those men offered to leave his breakfast for 2 minutes to help her out. I couldn’t bare to watch it any longer. I jumped to my feet, took the stranger by the arm, and told her that I would be happy to help her. During the brief time that I had her arm, she must have told me twenty times how grateful she was.
The reading in Colossians tells us that we have been chosen by God to practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. CHOSEN BY GOD! What an honor! When we go to bed at night, and think back, how do we feel about the way that we treated other people during the day? Do people look at each of us and know that Christ’s message of kindness lives in our hearts and in our actions?
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father,
Thank you for choosing us to practice kindness to others. Help us to remember to think with our hearts and to be a representative of your compassion, gentleness and patience. Amen
Category: Lenten Devotional |
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