1 Peter 4:7-11
Everything in the world is about to
be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer.
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes
up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a
bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things
God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it
be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s
bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll
get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of
time. Oh, yes!
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, Timothy and I
went to the local library for their daily program for school-age
children. We discovered this program rather late in the summer, but
we’ve been several times in the last few weeks. Timothy and Zola both
enjoy the library, but Timothy especially loves the programs...the
books...the computer games...all of it! And his enthusiasm shows. He
is always very excited...so eager...and quite appreciative, for a
five-year-old. As we left today, he hugged Mrs. Pat, the librarian, and
said, “Thank you, Mrs. Pat! See you in three sleeps for the Dragon
program!”
Timothy has an extraordinarily tender heart for a child
his age. He is sensitive to the feelings of others...and quick to
offer a “Hello!” or a “Thank you!” without prompting from anyone else.
He thanks us for taking him places and doing things with him...for gifts
and meals and much more. He has his moments, like any child, but
overall, he is truly a compassionate, loving child. And he often
spontaneously expresses his affection for us and others. One morning,
Greg showed up at the library to surprise the kids. As I was fastening
Timothy into his car seat later, he sighed and said, “I so love Uncle
Greg.” He will tell complete strangers how nice they look or how pretty
they are. And one Sunday as we drove home after church, he
unexpectedly told my mother-in-law, “Grandma E...I love you!”
I
have to tell you, this kid’s enthusiasm and sweet disposition are
contagious! People of all ages enjoy his company, because he is
generous with the kind spirit that God has given him. He seems to
innately sense that love and kindheartedness make up for practically
anything. I learn so much as I view the world through His eyes. I see
the joy and beauty of simple things...and how to view others in a
different (and more compassionate) light.
Oh, Timothy notices
things and asks questions...like why my elbows are wrinkled and why did I
paint my toenails... or why does a bald-headed man at the swimming pool
have such a wrinkled head (he’s a little concerned with wrinkles!). He
notices that people come in all sizes, shapes and colors...that some
are neater and cleaner, happier or sadder than others. But he doesn’t
discriminate. These differences do not represent anything to him other
than God’s penchant to paint with a brush of diversity!
I pray
that Timothy never changes...that he never grows out of his penchant for
compassion. I hope he is forever sensitive to the needs and feelings
of others...and that he is always eager to be the bright, positive light
of Jesus to others. Because you see, in his five-year-old way, this is
what he is doing. He is sharing the love of Jesus...God’s “hearty
help”...as best he can.
My question for us is... what are we
doing? Are we operating in the love of Christ and treating others as
if our very lives depended on it? Are we sharing God’s “hearty help” in
word and deed? Or have we grown up – and out – of this simple mode of
discipleship? What can God teach us from the unpretentious,
unadulterated tenderheartedness of a five-year-old? Will we live in
such a manner that we “light up a room” with the love of Jesus? Don’t
you think we should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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