Dear God,
Help us to understand that the woman who cut us off to take an exit on the interstate might be a single mom rushing to pick up her baby from daycare. After a long day of work, she is in a hurry to be with her baby, fix dinner, wash clothes, and relax before starting over in the morning.
Encourage us to see beyond the piercings and tattoos of the young man in the drive-thru, who seems indifferent and struggles to get the order right. He might be a 19-year-old university student who should be studying for finals because he needs a higher grade point average to keep his financial aid.
Lord, may we recognize that the intimidating guy who asks for money at the street corner every day is probably battling addictions beyond our comprehension.
Remind us, when we grow impatient with an elderly couple blocking the grocery aisle, that they might have just come from a doctor’s visit where they learned his days are numbered. They are in shock and valuing even this simple errand together.
Heavenly Father, remind us every day that love is the greatest gift among the many blessings you provide. Sharing that love should never be confined only to those close to us. Help us to extend our compassion to everybody we meet. Teach us to hold back quick judgments, forgive easily, show empathy, and love generously.
— Author Unknown
“Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” – Luke 6:31
This article is from a special issue of House to House, Heart to Heart, offering encouragement, hope, and a heartfelt invitation to members of the church of Christ who have been away. Explore more articles from the special Come Home issue here.
