Daily Devotional for December 29, 2019
The Right Reason (Part 1)
“Are you going to take those groceries to somebody?” Austin asked when he saw his father pick up his car keys and a bag of groceries from the table. Austin knew the church often supplied food for families with a need and Dad sometimes delivered them.
Dad nodded. “The Bakers, who live near our church, need a little help. Mrs. Baker broke her wrist, and Mr. Baker lost his job.”
“I heard about that,” Austin replied. “Coltan Baker is in my class at school.”
“Why don’t you come along then?” suggested Dad. “You can invite Coltan to the youth retreat that’s coming up.”
“Okay,” said Austin, so he and Dad drove to the Bakers’ house.
Mrs. Baker met them at the door. “Come in, come in,” she said.
Dad explained that they had brought a few groceries, so she led them through the living room and into the kitchen. Mr. Baker, who had been sprawled on the couch watching TV, got up and followed them. He frowned as he looked into the bags they had set on the table. “I don’t suppose you brought me any beer,” he muttered.
Austin’s father smiled. “No,” he replied, “but there are a few sweets and other goodies we thought you’d enjoy.”
Coltan came in to see what was there, and he pulled out a bag of peanut butter cookies. “Yuck! I hate peanut butter,” he said. “Why didn’t you bring chocolate cookies?” Austin felt very uncomfortable and couldn’t wait to leave.
“How can people act that way?” Austin asked when they were back in the car. “We’re helping them, and except for Mrs. Baker, they didn’t even say thank you.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to understand people,” Dad said, “but we need to remember that we’re doing this for the Lord, not for people. We didn’t do it so the Bakers would like us or thank us. We did it because they needed it and because Jesus wants us to show others His love. Let’s pray that they’ll realize how much He loves them. Okay?”
“Okay,” said Austin. After a minute, he added, “I forgot to invite Coltan to the church retreat. I’ll see him at school tomorrow and invite him then.” Linda M. Weddle
How about you?
Have you tried to be friendly or kind to someone only to be rejected? Did that make you feel like you should give up trying to help? Don’t forget that the reason you should be kind is to glorify the Lord, not to impress others or make them like you. Don’t be discouraged. Remember how much Jesus loves you and keep serving Him, no matter what response you get from people.
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