You don't have to feel all warm and fuzzy toward someone to be kind and considerate to them. Even if it seems to you that you have nothing special to give, you can always share Jesus’ love with others through kindness, thoughtfulness, and courtesy.
Love is a lot like praise. There are days when you may be feeling downcast and everything seems to be going wrong. On those days, the last thing you feel like doing is flinging your arms up in praise to Jesus. But as you crank up your praise motor, what at first seems like a mechanical effort of sputtering praise can become a sincere outburst of thanksgiving.
Love is the same. You face days when you aren't inspired to be thoughtful or caring. You may be tired, discouraged, feeling distant from others, or a little bound up in pride, but that doesn’t need to stop you from showing love. Love, like praise, might require a few initial steps of faith on your part before you begin to “feel” it.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit [the power of God's love] to those who ask him! (Luke 11:13 ESV)
When you step out to show someone kindness—whether through a word of encouragement, a compassionate deed, or through your prayers—Jesus will fill your heart without fail. He’s always ready to top up your love cup; in fact, He'll fill you so full that you'll overflow. Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7 NIV).
When you ask Jesus to help you take the step to be kind to others and thoughtful of them, His love and presence become a part of your actions, because you're thinking less about yourself and more about how you can help others.
The secret of success in being loving is to show kindness as unto Jesus. See caring for and helping others as a gift to Jesus, rather than focusing on what it costs you or what you might gain as a result.
I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40 NIV)
When you ask Jesus for His help, then even when you don't feel that you have the love to give others, you'll find that Jesus can give you a never-ending supply of love that you can give to others, whether it’s showing you a deed of kindness you can do for someone, bringing thoughtful words to mind that you can encourage others with, or helping you notice ways you can lend a helping hand. Jesus is always eager to find vessels of love, like you, whom He can pour through.
Contributed by R. A. Watterson, based on the writings of Maria Fontaine.
Illustrations by Zeb. Design by Christia Copeland.
Copyright © 2012 by The Family International