I know for a fact that sometimes (many times), I do things to receive a smile, a surprised elation, an expression of gratitude from whomever I treat kindly. I watch for a show of appreciation. I know this because when it doesn’t occur, I feel wounded. That, my friends, is not love, nor kindness. It is flat-out selfishness. So, I find that when God gives me the seed of an idea to show kindness and love, then He blesses my action through His Spirit as I obey. Love is not self-seeking, it simply loves because it can do no different. When I don’t plant that seed and sow it where I am, it is sin, because when you know what to do and don’t do it, it is the same thing as knowing what not to do and doing it. Needless to say, I sin a lot in a day. Praise God for His mercy and grace. Like the old hymn says, “Without Him I would be nothing; like a ship without a sail.”

It is God…

“who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2 Timothy 1:9

Grace saves us. And that same grace is our motivating force. Sometimes I am amazed at that little voice within that urges me to reach out and touch another in my day. Sometimes I walk away wondering what possessed me to do a specific thing. Then I realize it was of God. His Spirit reveals to me ways to be light in a dark world. When I act upon what is revealed, I become the salt He wants to use to season and add flavor to a tasteless society empty of nutrients, starving for love.

God is unbelievably awesome. He intricately lives with us each day and guides us in His righteousness for His sake. He weaves a tapestry of goodness of which Christians are a thread to add color and meaning. He has it all figured out. He knows the plans He has for my life as I pick and choose where I go in any given day. He knows where I plan to walk and where I plan to stop and rest. As I make my schedule, He has inked-in divine appointments for me to play a part. He places various people He wants me and, me alone, to show compassion, empathy and encouragement in circumstances I encounter. I find that exciting.

When others are mean, we can show kindness. When others are impatient, we can show patience. When others say discouraging things, we can encourage. When others are selfish, we can share what we have. When others ignore someone, we can notice them, smile, and say hello. When others reject us, insult us, betray us, we can accept, love and forgive. We may never know in our lifetime, how some small thing we do today will reap benefits for His kingdom. But we do know that Scripture says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6