In And Out

IN AND OUT

A shopper had been in line at a “courtesy” counter for longer that she cared to remember. It seemed as though each person returning an item tried to outdo the one in front of them with cutting remarks and hateful comments. Often they blamed the associate for the defect in the item as if she were the manufacturer and wanted to cause problems for the customer.

One after one they complained unrelentingly. Yet, one after one she responded to the cutting comments with kindness and care. She had a smile for their sarcasm and sweetness for their bitterness. How was she able to do it?

Bewildered, the lady finally made it to the counter, not knowing what to say about the item she was returning. It was then that she saw the inscription on the lady's earrings: One said “IN” and the other “OUT.”

Paul said that “love is patient and kind.” Not, “You Christians have the right to choose those who deserve love and kindness.” Loving others is a behavior that is central to the new birth. It is not an option nor is the responsibility to love others open to debate or discussion. It simply comes with conversion. If there is no serving love, we need to ask ourselves whether or not we have truly experienced God’s saving grace and forgiveness.

We must overcome evil with grace - like Jesus.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to live Your love, give Your grace, and speak words of care and compassion as You did. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.