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Matthew 5:14-16 - You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
We may underestimate the power of simply living an honest and faithful life before God. By doing so, others notice and may end up seeing the beauty of God through our lives. Leading hearts to God is at the top of the list for acts of service. What an honor to inspire someone else to love God because of the way that we love him!
There are many ways to make a difference, we just need to be open to seeing the opportunities.
We have talked about volunteering and giving this week so far and those are both ways to make a difference. There are other ways as well…a simple kind word, a smile, just listening when someone needs it, and so on.
I read a story about an older couple who went to an electronic store because they wanted to be able to facetime or do zoom calls with their kids who lived around the country. They wanted to be able to see their grandkids.
So, they went to this store and didn’t really understand what needed to be done and the associate there took his time with them and helped them pick out a tablet that would work. He then suggested something out of the ordinary, he asked for their address and went to their house to help get everything set up.
That evening they were talking to their kids and grandkids.
This guy’s act of kindness made a huge difference not only for this older couple but also for him. He ended up giving them his number and told them to call him when they had any issues, and he would come over. They do call him whenever they have issues, and he willingly assists them.
John 15:12-13 - My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Jesus’ love for people is extravagant. While we are not able to literally lay down our lives daily for others, we can choose to lay down our lives and love extravagantly in smaller practical ways. For instance, we can choose to go out of our way to help someone in need even though it may be personally inconvenient to us.
Luke 3:10-11 - What should we do then?’ the crowd asked. John answered, ‘Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.
As believers, we need to remember that everything God blesses us with is also meant to bless others. It’s important not to hoard and store up things for ourselves when we know that others are in need. This verse itself gives all the practical tips we need: if you have two shirts, share one; and if you have food, share with one who does not.
One time I was loading my groceries into my car and a lady came out with her hands full. She had a few groceries and a potted plant. I saw her struggling to get her door unlocked and opened, so I stopped what I was doing and asked her if I could hold the plant for her. She looked shocked at first but then relieved for the help.
This was a small gesture of help but nonetheless, it helped. She was able to get all that she bought into her car safely.
I know that if I were her and I had just bought that plant and I had dropped it trying to get in my car, I would have been disappointed and upset. So I think that me offering to hold that plant changed the trajectory of how her day could have played out.
Making differences big or small are ways we can really share kindness and love to others. It is impactful.