Devotional for Wednesday, December 14, 2016
“His Kindness In Us”
by Dona Hake
You never know how the Lord wants to use us in our day. I look expectantly for opportunities to chat with people. I especially love trying to get people that seem a tad grumpy, and get them talking with me. I have found that they usually are not purposing to be that way…they just are because their hearts are hurting.
Yesterday, I was purchasing some gift cards for Christmas and the clerk was ringing me up. We were both chatting and talking about how we were not ready for Christmas. Then she blurted out the hurt of her heart…”I hate Christmas, and I cannot wait till it is over.” I calmly responded, “Really?” She began to share how her husband died on Christmas six years ago and it is just still so hard and painful. It was so so sad.
I have found in situations like this that all an individual needs is someone to listen to the pain of the heart. They need to be handled lovingly, gently, and all so kindly. It is not our business to decide how long it should take for another to deal with something. We just need to be there for them and speak words of healing and pray as we feel led . As I left her register I looked at her and thanked her for helping me, and I wished her a Merry Christmas anyway.She no longer seemed grumpy and she smiled at me as we parted.
Maybe those were the kind words and listening ears she needed to get her through another day that she dreaded. I do not know, but I know this…God wants to use each and everyone of us to touch hurting people in our path. I encourage you today to be ready to be used of the Lord to share His kindness, love, and much needed words that someone may need to hear .
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving
better and happier. Be the living expression of
God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness
in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
— Mother Teresa
Lord, we ask you to help us to be vessels of Your kindness this day. Help us to recognize and seize opportunities to give kindness to the one in need. May we submit to Your plans for us that we can be used by You to touch someone’s heart. We thank you that we can be the living expression of Your wonderful love to the one that needs it most.