The truth is we never know what people are going through. It’s not our place to judge, it’s our place to love. In the book of Genesis 12:2, God says to the people of Israel, and really to all of us, “I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing to all people.” I love this verse, because in reminding us that we will be blessed, we are also called to be a blessing to others’ and to not put qualifiers on who we help. Christ says, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons and daughters of the Most High God,” Luke 6:30. We must remember that we pass people everyday who need our love, compassion and kindness. We see them in our home, in the grocery store, at our work places, in line at the bank, and when we walk out to get our mail.
When we take a moment to actually notice the people around us, we begin to see opportunities everywhere to share God’s light of compassion. And God is depending on all of us to be His hands, His feet, and His arms. Go out this week and find a way to offer compassion to someone this week. Get to know the people both in, and outside, of your inner circle. Truly take notice of those you come in regular contact with. Ask how they are doing, and then stop to actually listen to their response. If you find yourself thinking about someone, let them know in a card, a phone call or a text. Believe me, these small acts of kindness go a long way toward making a difference in this world and sharing His light.
