Hebrews 13:1-3
Continue to love each other with true brotherly love. Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Don’t forget about those in jail. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, for you know what they are going through.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than 25 years, I have been friends with a dear woman from Springfield, Missouri. Charlene was my mother’s close friend first, but she and I “clicked” right away – and as mothers tend to do, she nurtured me almost from the start. When Mother died over 7 years ago, Charlene and I grew even closer, and she has truly become like a mother to me – even though she now lives in a Florida high-rise for seniors.
Charlene and I often lament about our hair…mostly when we are in dire need of a haircut. We both have similar short styles, and when our hair gets “long” – it gets shaggy and a bit unruly. Almost two months ago, Charlene had an “episode” that was characterized as “almost a serious stroke.” She has had a hard time recovering. We exchange messages or communicate in some way every day, and last week, I lamented that my hair was causing me frustration. She replied, “You should see mine…I haven’t had a haircut since before my episode, so it’s been almost two months now.”
Now understand, Charlene and I can (and do) say pretty much anything to each other. But I was reminded to think about my comments before I speak. She surely doesn’t care that I mentioned a minor frustration – and it opened a door for her to express her own angst. At the same time, how often do we fail to see the other person’s need or opinion before expressing our own? How often do we truly suffer with someone as though we were in their shoes…or share the sorrow of someone who is being mistreated or is hurting in some way?
We all know well-meaning people who start talking and sharing their “tales of woe” as soon as we encounter them, without even as much as a genuine, “How are you?” Let’s not be that person! Let’s think more of others than we do ourselves, and in doing so, operate with true brotherly love. Let’s take a pause, consider what we are about to say or do…and make any necessary corrections. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to all people…friends, loved ones, and strangers alike. Truly, when we do so, we often entertain angels and receive the bigger blessing. I am so grateful for my “other mother,” Charlene…and how God has used her to bless my life. My prayer is that He will use me to bless others accordingly. Make this your aim, as well. Trust God to use you in mighty ways…then get ready to be blessed in the process. Alleluia!
©2023 Debbie Robus
This morning when I opened the window shades, about half a dozen Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were swarming our feeder. One or two would perch on the feeder – and immediately, others would come flying out of nearby cedar trees to attack them. These verses made me think about the birds as I read how our evil nature attacks the Holy Spirit at work within us and tries to convince us to be selfish. I have read that hummingbirds are incredibly territorial, and I don’t know if what I saw was a battle for space at the feeder – or just an aggressive form of play. Either way, the competition was fierce, just like the battle for control of our soul!
Daily Devo Time 