Be Kind by Ann Broughton

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else” (Thessalonians 5:15 NIV).

   ‘Tis the season to be jolly. Ever heard that before? Sometimes the Christmas season can bring out the worst in some people unfortunately. I was appalled when I heard that people got into fist fights over an item during the Black Friday shopping. As Christians we are called to be kind no matter what, even when someone does something wrong to us. It is hard, but we must. Also, when we go shopping we are to represent the Lord in all we say and do.

I always treat the cashiers with deepest respect, because they have a difficult job. I asked one once about how people treated her. She said some people are so rude and nasty. After learning that, I make it my priority to treat them with respect and kindness.

    Other ways you can show you are a Christian during this season is by letting other people go ahead of you in lines. Don’t complain if you have to wait awhile. Take time to pray for those around you while you are waiting. Chances are they need it. Once I saw a lady waiting in line at the pharmacy and she was crying. I asked her what was wrong and then told her I would pray for her. There are so many people who are hurting who need someone to just take time and care.

     Look for ways while you are shopping to help others out. If you see an elderly person, ask if you can help in some way. Take their cart back to the corral or help them load their groceries. There are so many opportunities to help others, but so many times we are all about our own business and miss opportunities to serve the Lord in a special way.

     My challenge for you this week is to look for ways to help others every day, and especially when you are shopping. People need a smile, a caring heart, and someone to help them. You be that person. You can show others the kindness that Christ demonstrated to others in His ministry.

   Dear Lord,

Help me to show your kindness to others this season in everything I do and everywhere I go. Let me be aware of opportunities to help others and make a difference in someone else’s life.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Be a Giver This Christmas by Ann Broughton

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42 NIV).

   So here we are in the heart of the Christmas shopping time. So I have decided to help you get a new perspective about giving for Christmas. Since my husband and I went to the missionary convention my perspective has changed so much because of the videos I saw of people in desperate need. I want to share with others in need this Christmas in a big way. One of the missions was a house that houses young women who have been saved from sex slavery. They showed young girls being found in a brothel and saved. It touched my heart so much. I went to their booth and bought something so that all the money would go to help the girls at the house. I was so convicted in my heart to help others and not want things for myself this Christmas. Let’s face it. We are adults and what we need, we can buy. Why not help someone else this Christmas instead. Ask others to contribute to a charity instead of buying you a gift, or buy a toy and clothes for a needy child instead. The gifts I give this year will be from sites that help feed the hungry and help support those who are helping others.

    Jesus’ whole ministry was one of helping others. He himself went around healing the sick and helping others. He told us to help others also. People, there are those who are suffering all around us, and we truly need to meet their needs. Jesus spoke about helping others. He said, “Come you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me” (Matthew 25:34-36 NIV). I truly challenge you to make others’ needs your first priority this Christmas, and that you think about others more than yourself. It truly is better to give than to receive.

Dear Lord,

There are needs all around us. Help us to help others and truly fulfill your mission here on earth. Give us the opportunity to bring happiness to those who do not know your love by giving them hope that someone cares about them. Let us be your hands and give to others with unconditional love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen