Love Thy Neighbor
Hello Neighbors! Are you experiencing a grumpy, negative, or sad co-worker? Maybe the person behind you at the store seems hurried? Are the cars behind you already honking before the light changes? Find the positive in every encounter. Smile at the frowned up person you are walking by. Greet that individual who seems locked into their phone as they almost trip. Why not just wave at those cars and honk the horn back! I worked in the medical field and sadness was always around. I found the majority of people remember the kind words, the caring hugs, and the smiles. I also experienced another type of neighbor by working in retail. Every person entering that store already has a million things running through their heads! Task are already numbered and they are intent on getting to what they came for with no interruptions! A kind greeting, a cheerful conversation brings out the good in everyone. Sometimes just voicing, “have a good day”, becomes a gentle sigh of relief; not just for them but you too! We see it written everywhere that everyone is fighting their own battles within their own lives so BE KIND! Reaching out to others leaves the options open to oneself. Loving our neighbors is opening our hearts to any possibility no matter how unexpected. When we treat others as we would want to be treated, there is a greater compassion on both sides. That moment that you reach out, you may have saved a life, boosted confidence, gave encouragement to keep going; it is part of God’s plan. Become as little children, love all and treat even the “mean/angry” with kindness. It is amazing what will happen!
Scriptures:
Read: Proverbs14:21, Proverbs 27:10, Matthew 22:37-39, Leviticus19:18, Luke10:25-37, Matthew 7:12, Galatians 5:14, Mark12:31, Ephesians 4:32
Prayer:
Lord, I come to you humbly asking for the ability to choose kindness toward others. Please grant me compassion, understanding, resilience toward those who seem to need kindness the most. And Lord, though this is one of the hardest battles to accomplish, I’m am willing to give it my all. Please come fill me with patience at those times that I want to take the negative approach and let me be kind! Thanks for allowing me this day to show others what kindness can do. Amen.