It is December 22nd, 2015, the first “official” day of winter. It has been a year that I do not care to remember and am looking forward to getting past. I am happy that here, at the end of the year, I am able to think about Jesus and his birth. I am able to think about the positives in my life like my loving God who saves me from sin, from hard times, from myself at times. I am able to look around me and see that I have a father and a savior who has never left me and never forsook me. I have a love that dwells within me that overcomes this world and overcomes the darkness. I have assurance in God that life is not about me and this temporary world, but it is about God and it is about others and what I can do to help them.
This season, this time of year, is always a great reminder of the power of giving. What can we give to others that they could never receive on their own? What can we do today that would show and share the love of Jesus to them?
I bet if we stopped for one moment, one minute to think about one person and something that we could do for them, it would come to us so quickly. We get caught up in the busyness, we get caught up in our own lives and what matters to us that we forget about the people around us and the people we could possibly impact majorly with one simple act of love, one simple act of kindness. We need to step out of our comfort zones, we need to step outside of the box and think about others and what we can do to “give” to them, to “serve” them, to “love” them.
It is great and awesome to give to family and the expected ones. But let us stop for a second to think about the person who comes to mind when we ask God, who can I impact with the love of Jesus today, that maybe needs an act of kindness, a reminder that they are not alone. We should show kindness to others, because we do not know the battles or struggles that they face or are fighting with. I know that a lot of people who seem like they have it all together, who put a smile on their face in public – who are fighting a battle that we know nothing about. I know because I was and am one of them. Pray for them, love them, go out of your way to do something nice for them. Not only are you blessing the Father God when you do these things, you bless the person, and you yourself will be blessed like never before because it will bring you true joy.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
Hebrews 13:12 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
1 John 3:18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
My challenge to you for today is to stop for a moment and ask God who is one person that I can reach with the love of Jesus this season. Who is one person I can show an act of kindness and love to who needs it the most right now. I’m sure someone comes to mind. You don’t necessarily have to preach to them, but you can let them know that God put it on your heart and that he is thinking about them and loves them. This would be a good discipline and practice to have in your life everyday. Who are you impacting today with the love of Jesus?
Jon Rouse 