Everyday ways to show His love

"By this all will know that you are My disciples,

if you have love for one another." John 13:35

 

This God-given love is not our own; it's His life shining through us. So before we start the day, let's pray that God will fill us with His love and lead us in ways that will honor Him and bless His people. Remember, it's His perfect love, nor our finite love, that opens hearts and changes lives.

 

Here are just a few of the opportunities He gives me during the week (and they always make me happy):

• Greet familiar grocery store checkers and post office staff by name. Seek opportunities to make simple statements such as "God is so good!" or "I thank Him for the rain today."

• Though you may not need help loading the grocery bags into your car, welcome any offer. It's a great opportunity to share God's love on the way to the car.

• If you are waiting at the end of a check-out line and you see a mom with little children (or an elderly person who might need help), invite them to move ahead of you in line. It's amazing how much some people appreciate that tiny favor! It often leads to conversations that allow us to mention our Lord and His care for us.

• Open doors for anyone who might need help.

• Offer to pray for anyone -- stranger, waitress, friends, etc. -- who seem to be tired, weary, injured or in some kind of need.

• Be ready with a smile for all you come to your door. Befriend those who drive the garbage trucks, and show your gratefulness -- sometimes with a small plastic bag with a tasty snack inside.

• Be friendly to all your neighbors, even those who avoid you because of your faith and values. One day they may face painful challenges that open their hearts to our Lord. Then they may come to you for prayer and comfort that others can't offer.

• Let the joy and thankfulness in your heart be visible to all. God will use these opportunities in His own wonderful ways.

Remember,

"... the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

If you have a suggestion that would encourage our readers, please share it with us!