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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. — Matthew 5:16
In the final days of Jesus’ life, He shared a meal with His friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Within the week He would feel the sting of the Roman whip, the point of the thorny crown, and the iron of the executioner’s nail. But on this evening, He felt the love of three friends.
For Mary, however, giving the dinner was not enough.
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. — John 12:3
Judas criticized the deed as wasteful. Not Jesus. He received the gesture as an extravagant demonstration of love, a friend surrendering her most treasured gift. As Jesus hung on the cross, we wonder, did he detect the fragrance on his skin?
Follow Mary’s example.
There is an elderly man in your community who just lost his wife. An hour of your time would mean the world to him. Some kids in your city have no dad. No father takes them to movies or baseball games. Maybe you can. They can’t pay you back. They can’t even afford the popcorn or sodas.
But they’ll smile like a cantaloupe slice at your kindness.
Or how about this one? Down the hall from your bedroom is a person who shares your last name. Shock that person with kindness. Something outlandish. Your homework done with no complaints. Coffee served before he awakens. A love letter written to her for no special reason. Alabaster poured, just because.
Daily do a deed for which you cannot be repaid.
Precious Savior, we pass people every day who need a demonstration of your love. May we search for ways to show extravagant gestures of gracious love and outlandish acts of kindness. Make us people who set a goal of doing daily deeds for which we cannot be repaid. Set our hearts on fire for people who do not know you. Consume us with compassion for the desperate and downtrodden. Let us pour our lives out in love . . . just because. Amen.
You yourselves are taught by God to love one another. — 1 Thessalonians 4:9
What is desired in a man is kindness. — Proverbs 19:22
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good. — Luke 6:45
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Your Turn
Imagine being Jesus’ friends while He was here on this earth. Imagine being able to offer Him rest, food, and comfort. What a privilege! Who do you know that has a need you can fill? Take a moment to pray about it now and ask God to show you how you can bless someone with your outrageous acts of kindness. Who can you treat like Jesus and let your light shine through your service and friendship? Please leave a comment on our blog. We would love to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily