Yesterday, I had to finally throw out the flowers Kevin gave me at the beginning of July. They lasted over a month!! I was laughing, saying that it’s time for some new ones (hint, hint 😉). We both had to run in opposite directions after we finished supper…he was going to the auto parts store to pickup a part he ordered and then coming back home and Tucker and I had to go across town. When I got back home, I had this cute little flower arrangement sitting where I had my other flowers. He took a second to run into the grocery store while he was out because he knew it would make me smile.
Why don’t we do that with everyone in our life? Why can’t we make others smile instead of criticizing, pointing fingers or just being plain out mean? Listen, I know I am married to him and love him, but he has always displayed Jesus to me since the beginning. He doesn’t give me everything I want, but he always gives me what I need. That’s Jesus. Why can’t we be like that to our neighbors? I see so many people that go out of their way to be mean to someone else…when it would take half the effort to encourage or be nice! Going out of your way for someone is the easiest way to display Jesus to this world. Sometimes folks don’t know what they want, but give them what they need…Love.
As I was reading in 1 Peter 2 this morning, verses 11 and 12 reminded me that our conduct has the potential for causing others to glorify God as they observe our behavior. Because my husband shows Jesus to me, I want to show Jesus to others. My kids see Jesus in Him and grow to love their Savior more! It’s a trickle-down effect that will have this world blooming with kindness, grace and love!
“Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do what is evil, they will, by observing your good works, glorify a God on the day of visitation.”
1 Peter 2:11-12