“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

When we get to Heaven, I think we will be surprised to learn some of our most ordinary moments and interactions with people are the times we shone the brightest with the love of God.

When we smile at a passing stranger. Pick up a dropped toy for a child at the grocery store. Holding a door for a mom with a stroller. Hugging a crying family member or friend in a time of loss or distress. Visiting a friend, loved one, or acquaintance in the hospital. Listening to someone, really listening. Encouraging someone who is struggling with something. Kissing a child’s scraped knee. Crying with a friend. Checking in with someone going through a hard time. Holding the hand of one of your children or grandchildren. A text message telling someone they are in your thoughts and prayers. A card to simply say hello or thank you for your friendship or a gift. These are the things that are cherished by others. Showing love to people and intentionally building them up doesn't cost anything but a little bit of time and awareness, your attention for others could have an eternal impact!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We need to stop looking for large, impactful moments to serve God and start living every moment and loving everyone we meet. No longer taking the small stuff for granted. No more missed opportunities!

Stop telling yourself that you aren’t doing enough for God. As long as you are living with love, kindness, and compassion and are encouraging people by helping them see their worth, you are on the right track. Keep your eyes and heart squarely focused on Jesus; he will guide your way.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When we love God, we show compassion, love, and kindness. Which shows them that we care that they are seen, and that we believe their lives are genuinely significant, important to both God and us.

As we go about our day, we need to start looking everyone in the eye, smiling a smile that says God loves you, and so do I💜

Go shine the love of Christ today; you will be blessed to be a blessing.

“And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:24‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Father, grant us the ability to truly see your people as you do and to use our love, kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion to help fulfill their needs. My hope is that by letting your love shine through us, we can help the world become a little less stinky. Amen