Timothy Dalton starred in the 1989 James Bond film “License to Kill.” I don’t know why, but the title of that movie came to mind recently. The thought “license to kill” (I know not a politically correct idea) prompted me into thinking how Jesus, and the Gospel, gives Jesus' followers the exact opposite license to James Bond’s. Jesus gave his followers “a license to love!”
Jesus commanded the disciples to love. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NLT) Jesus followed his command saying, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NLT) Jesus commanded us to “Love your neighbor.” (Mark 12:31) And to “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44)
The Apostle John wrote about the expectation of Jesus’ followers. “Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NLT) “Since God loved us, we surely ought to love each other.” (1 John 4:11 NLT)
The Apostle Paul emphasized the “license to love” in his letter to Jesus’ followers in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage is popular at weddings; but the love between a husband and wife is not the emphasis here. Paul writes that without love; spiritual talk (explaining spiritual truths and mysteries), generosity to the poor, grand feats of faith, and even sacrificing of one’s life are pointless. Love must be the motive behind the words and actions of Jesus' followers!
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are “licensed to love.” You are commanded to love. And you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love. “The fruit of the Spirit is love.” (Galatians 5:22 NIV)
You have a “license to love” - look for ways to put your license to use!
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Some Thoughts about Change
I dug up “Matt’s Thoughts” from March 2016. Some of these thoughts come from my 2016 post.
Throughout most of history, CHANGE happened at a snail’s pace. People could go their entire lives and experience less change than you and I experience in just a matter of days! Since 2020 began the speed of change is happening even more rapidly. There is more change happening at this moment than many experienced in a lifetime. CHANGE is our way of life. And change is hard because change can cause a loss of control over things we desperately want to control.
Each of us has dozens of areas where minor changes could lead to improvement in life. Diet, exercise, sleep, kindness, patience, where we spend spare dollars, who we spend time with, and who we allow to influence us - these are all areas where minor changes can yield significant benefits.
There are also countless areas in life that we have almost no capability of impacting the change that is taking place. The COVID-19 virus, the economic fallout, much of the BLM issues, what the start of school will look like, are a just a few of the circumstances we have little or no control over.
There are things we can control and there are things that we can’t control. We often become stressed, worried, and frustrated about the change happening that we have no ability to control. On the other side, we take a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude towards the areas we could and should control.
We fret over what we can’t control, all the while not controlling the things we can. Why not control the things that we can and relax and trust Jesus with what we can’t control?
The Apostle Peter instructed believers about control when he wrote: “Prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control.” 1 Peter 1:13 NLT
Throughout most of history, CHANGE happened at a snail’s pace. People could go their entire lives and experience less change than you and I experience in just a matter of days! Since 2020 began the speed of change is happening even more rapidly. There is more change happening at this moment than many experienced in a lifetime. CHANGE is our way of life. And change is hard because change can cause a loss of control over things we desperately want to control.
Each of us has dozens of areas where minor changes could lead to improvement in life. Diet, exercise, sleep, kindness, patience, where we spend spare dollars, who we spend time with, and who we allow to influence us - these are all areas where minor changes can yield significant benefits.
There are also countless areas in life that we have almost no capability of impacting the change that is taking place. The COVID-19 virus, the economic fallout, much of the BLM issues, what the start of school will look like, are a just a few of the circumstances we have little or no control over.
There are things we can control and there are things that we can’t control. We often become stressed, worried, and frustrated about the change happening that we have no ability to control. On the other side, we take a ‘laissez-faire’ attitude towards the areas we could and should control.
We fret over what we can’t control, all the while not controlling the things we can. Why not control the things that we can and relax and trust Jesus with what we can’t control?
The Apostle Peter instructed believers about control when he wrote: “Prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control.” 1 Peter 1:13 NLT
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
The Uncertainty About "What's Next"
It is surprising to interact with someone who is NOT feeling the pressure of what is happening in the world. Married couples, singles, young people, kids, older people, employed, unemployed and business owners are all feeling stress and anxiety. Uncertainty about “what’s next” is partially to blame for the stress and anxiety everyone is feeling.
I’m reminded of Paul’s words to “pastor” Timothy and the believers in his congregation who were under pressure, stress, and anxiety because of the culture of the Roman Empire and the difficulties of just surviving. “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. … Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NIV
Those were tough words by the Apostle Paul 2,000 years ago, and they are tough today! No one wants to get up in the morning and say to themselves “get ready to suffer.” Trials, pressure, stress and anxiety is not on the “favorite” list of most people. We’d like to avoid trials, pressure, stress and anxiety “at all cost.” But, for servants of Jesus, that is not an option.
None of us should make it our mission to seek trials, pressure, stress, and anxiety, they will all come our way. Paul’s instruction to Timothy and the believers in his care was to respond to these situations, “like a good soldier” seeking “to please his commanding officer.”
Paul’s last line of instruction is foundational to pleasing our Commanding Officer. “Reflect (on the idea of suffering like a good soldier) for the Lord will give you insight.” If we reflect and ask our Commanding Officer for insight, He will provide it.
I’m reminded of Paul’s words to “pastor” Timothy and the believers in his congregation who were under pressure, stress, and anxiety because of the culture of the Roman Empire and the difficulties of just surviving. “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. … Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” 2 Timothy 2:3-7 NIV
Those were tough words by the Apostle Paul 2,000 years ago, and they are tough today! No one wants to get up in the morning and say to themselves “get ready to suffer.” Trials, pressure, stress and anxiety is not on the “favorite” list of most people. We’d like to avoid trials, pressure, stress and anxiety “at all cost.” But, for servants of Jesus, that is not an option.
None of us should make it our mission to seek trials, pressure, stress, and anxiety, they will all come our way. Paul’s instruction to Timothy and the believers in his care was to respond to these situations, “like a good soldier” seeking “to please his commanding officer.”
Paul’s last line of instruction is foundational to pleasing our Commanding Officer. “Reflect (on the idea of suffering like a good soldier) for the Lord will give you insight.” If we reflect and ask our Commanding Officer for insight, He will provide it.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Peter's Pep Talk
Pressure continues to bear down upon humanity. The complications of the COVID-19 virus would be pressure enough to raise everyone’s stress level more than a few notches. Throw in financial hardship, unemployment, loss of businesses, questions about school in the fall, and travel restrictions, protests, locusts, conflicts in China, Hong Kong, India, Ethiopia, Yemen, North Korea, Libya,– I think I’ll stop there! You get the idea.
You know stress and pressure, but now that I’ve written out some issues facing the world, it probably raised your anxiety level even higher! It is easy to lose sight of fundamentals of following Jesus when pressure is bearing down. I’m reminded of a “pep talk” the Apostle Peter gave to believers he was responsible to care for, lead and coach. He wrote during a trying period in the Roman Empire, and just prior to his execution:
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:11-12 NLT
I don’t know the application of Peter’s words to your situation, but I’m sure something in his “pep talk” applies. I see three applications for me.
I should be asking, “What does good look like in this situation?”
How can I work to maintain and foster peace?
I should seek to do “right.” (I want the Lord to watch over me and His ears open to my prayers.)
Jesus, help me “do good” “work to maintain peace” and “do right.” I want your watchful gaze on me and your ears open to my prayers. Amen.
You know stress and pressure, but now that I’ve written out some issues facing the world, it probably raised your anxiety level even higher! It is easy to lose sight of fundamentals of following Jesus when pressure is bearing down. I’m reminded of a “pep talk” the Apostle Peter gave to believers he was responsible to care for, lead and coach. He wrote during a trying period in the Roman Empire, and just prior to his execution:
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:11-12 NLT
I don’t know the application of Peter’s words to your situation, but I’m sure something in his “pep talk” applies. I see three applications for me.
I should be asking, “What does good look like in this situation?”
How can I work to maintain and foster peace?
I should seek to do “right.” (I want the Lord to watch over me and His ears open to my prayers.)
Jesus, help me “do good” “work to maintain peace” and “do right.” I want your watchful gaze on me and your ears open to my prayers. Amen.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
The Hard Work of Forgiveness
Relationships are hard work! They are fraught with disappointment, hurt and confusion. Communicating is hard work. Listening is hard work. Understanding others requires emotional savvy that rarely comes naturally. Hurts, anger and frustration are more than just toppings in relationships. Sometimes they are major ingredients.
Jesus had reams to say about forgiveness. Forgiveness is one core, if not THE core component of Jesus’ teaching. One of the last lines that Jesus spoke, dying upon the cross was, “Father, forgive them [those who had demanded and carried out his execution] they do not know what they are doing.”
Forgiveness is difficult because it is counter-intuitive. We tell ourselves lines such as “If I forgive someone, then I am ‘letting them get away’ with the wrong” and “If I forgive, they’ll just hurt me again.” But forgiving someone for a wrong does not mean that the offender gets a pass. Forgiving someone means I won’t make them pay. The law, consequences, and ultimately the judgement of God may make them pay. By forgiving the offender, I am released from being responsible for justice and payback and that transfer responsibility to God.
My forgiving or not forgiving has no bearing on whether someone will re-offend. You and I both have forgiven people, and the offender never hurt us again. We have also NOT forgiven and then the offender hurt us again.
Unforgiveness will make you and me into “mutants.” The hurt we hold on to while not forgiving mutates the inner person of the victim. The mutation continues to multiply and consume until eventually bitterness fills the person. The odd reality about the mutation is the offender may not know they hurt the person, or eventually forgets about the victim, leaving the victim to suffer while the offender goes on with life mutation free!
Forgiving others is an enormous deal. Jesus said, “If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 NLT
Jesus, teach us how to forgive, and give us the strength to forgive and the courage to forgive! Amen.
Jesus had reams to say about forgiveness. Forgiveness is one core, if not THE core component of Jesus’ teaching. One of the last lines that Jesus spoke, dying upon the cross was, “Father, forgive them [those who had demanded and carried out his execution] they do not know what they are doing.”
Forgiveness is difficult because it is counter-intuitive. We tell ourselves lines such as “If I forgive someone, then I am ‘letting them get away’ with the wrong” and “If I forgive, they’ll just hurt me again.” But forgiving someone for a wrong does not mean that the offender gets a pass. Forgiving someone means I won’t make them pay. The law, consequences, and ultimately the judgement of God may make them pay. By forgiving the offender, I am released from being responsible for justice and payback and that transfer responsibility to God.
My forgiving or not forgiving has no bearing on whether someone will re-offend. You and I both have forgiven people, and the offender never hurt us again. We have also NOT forgiven and then the offender hurt us again.
Unforgiveness will make you and me into “mutants.” The hurt we hold on to while not forgiving mutates the inner person of the victim. The mutation continues to multiply and consume until eventually bitterness fills the person. The odd reality about the mutation is the offender may not know they hurt the person, or eventually forgets about the victim, leaving the victim to suffer while the offender goes on with life mutation free!
Forgiving others is an enormous deal. Jesus said, “If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 NLT
Jesus, teach us how to forgive, and give us the strength to forgive and the courage to forgive! Amen.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Careless and Useless Words
As a student and teacher of the ancient writings found in the Bible, there are statements in the writings that frighten me. I’m not referring to the historical accounts found in the Jewish Scriptures (the Old Testament) about Sodom and Gomorrah or Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt. I’m referring to some of Jesus' words.
Jesus said, “If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15 NIV84) The thought that my unforgiveness would prevent my own forgiveness scares me because I have SINS! Or, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NIV84) Jesus is encouraging people to not let the “fear of man” control their lives but instead to let the “fear of God” control them.
The teaching of Jesus that terrifies me is about the things a person says. Most of the people Jesus taught communicated only through speech. We communicate in a variety of ways. In the 21st century his teaching applies to every way that we use words; the spoken word, written word, social media posts, shares, and likes. And about our communication Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. … I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37 NIV84)
The words that come out of my mouth and from the end of my fingertips, come straight out of what is in my heart and I will be JUDGED by those words. That scares me and sometimes terrifies me!
Jesus, I need continual surgery done on my heart so that my words are not “careless” and useless. Help me! Amen
Jesus said, “If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15 NIV84) The thought that my unforgiveness would prevent my own forgiveness scares me because I have SINS! Or, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NIV84) Jesus is encouraging people to not let the “fear of man” control their lives but instead to let the “fear of God” control them.
The teaching of Jesus that terrifies me is about the things a person says. Most of the people Jesus taught communicated only through speech. We communicate in a variety of ways. In the 21st century his teaching applies to every way that we use words; the spoken word, written word, social media posts, shares, and likes. And about our communication Jesus said, “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. … I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37 NIV84)
The words that come out of my mouth and from the end of my fingertips, come straight out of what is in my heart and I will be JUDGED by those words. That scares me and sometimes terrifies me!
Jesus, I need continual surgery done on my heart so that my words are not “careless” and useless. Help me! Amen
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Quick To Listen and Slow to Speak
I’ve spent hours listening over the last few weeks. Listening to preachers, politicians, reporters, farmers, athletes, and many others concerning the protests and race issues our country is swimming through. I’ve been looking over my shoulder, both left and right, because I realize I have “blind spots.” I only see what I see, and I only understand what I understand.
By listening, I’ve learned about the “red line,” “Juan Crow Laws,” “In-groups” and “out-groups.” I’ve learned about the difference between bias, racism and discrimination. I am in elementary school about these issues. I’m learning about “espoused theory” and “theory in use.” I’m listening to descriptions of “white girl hair,” and learning that every person is 99.5 percent identical in genetic makeup. I’ve learned that saying “I don’t see color” is divisive, even when said with or from the motive of inclusiveness and love.
Jesus’ brother James wrote: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT) Too often when I face trials and struggles, I am quick to speak and too slow to listen. In the struggle our society is facing, I am intentionally closing my mouth, opening my heart and listening intently. I have an incredible amount to learn about the issues we are all facing.
Micah, the prophet who spoke for God 700 years before Jesus said: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV)
What is good? What does the Lord require? Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
Jesus, teach me. I want to live justly, practice kindness and walk humbly with you.
By listening, I’ve learned about the “red line,” “Juan Crow Laws,” “In-groups” and “out-groups.” I’ve learned about the difference between bias, racism and discrimination. I am in elementary school about these issues. I’m learning about “espoused theory” and “theory in use.” I’m listening to descriptions of “white girl hair,” and learning that every person is 99.5 percent identical in genetic makeup. I’ve learned that saying “I don’t see color” is divisive, even when said with or from the motive of inclusiveness and love.
Jesus’ brother James wrote: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19 NLT) Too often when I face trials and struggles, I am quick to speak and too slow to listen. In the struggle our society is facing, I am intentionally closing my mouth, opening my heart and listening intently. I have an incredible amount to learn about the issues we are all facing.
Micah, the prophet who spoke for God 700 years before Jesus said: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV)
What is good? What does the Lord require? Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
Jesus, teach me. I want to live justly, practice kindness and walk humbly with you.
Monday, June 8, 2020
Confessing The Sins of America
I have been considering an example from the Jewish Scriptures, when one of the leaders of God’s people confessed the sins of the Jewish people. Daniel had not participated in the sin, but he was part of the people group or nation that perpetuated it.
As a POW in Babylon, Daniel was reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah. As he read, understanding of their situation and the seventy years they were to spend in Babylon broke his heart. Daniel recorded his actions: “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.” Daniel 9:3 NLT
Daniel had not been part of the sin, rebellion, and disobedience, but he was Jewish, and these were the sins of the Jewish people. Daniel Chapter 9 is the record of Daniel’s repentance and confession of the sins of Israel. Daniel saw it as his responsibility as a member of the Jewish nation to confess the sins of his nation. “I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: ‘O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! … We have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen … as you see, our faces are covered with shame. … O LORD, we … are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.’”
Daniel 9:4-11 NLT
I am an American and therefore I am responsible for injustice and need to do my part to bring about justice. I have spent time this week confessing the sins of America. As a nation we have oppressed people and continue to oppress people. We are guilty and we are responsible. I’ve been praying that God will have mercy on America and Americans. I have been praying that God would raise up leaders who can show the way through the racial darkness.
God, have mercy on America and move us forward in racial equality. Amen
As a POW in Babylon, Daniel was reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah. As he read, understanding of their situation and the seventy years they were to spend in Babylon broke his heart. Daniel recorded his actions: “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.” Daniel 9:3 NLT
Daniel had not been part of the sin, rebellion, and disobedience, but he was Jewish, and these were the sins of the Jewish people. Daniel Chapter 9 is the record of Daniel’s repentance and confession of the sins of Israel. Daniel saw it as his responsibility as a member of the Jewish nation to confess the sins of his nation. “I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: ‘O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! … We have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen … as you see, our faces are covered with shame. … O LORD, we … are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.’”
Daniel 9:4-11 NLT
I am an American and therefore I am responsible for injustice and need to do my part to bring about justice. I have spent time this week confessing the sins of America. As a nation we have oppressed people and continue to oppress people. We are guilty and we are responsible. I’ve been praying that God will have mercy on America and Americans. I have been praying that God would raise up leaders who can show the way through the racial darkness.
God, have mercy on America and move us forward in racial equality. Amen
Friday, May 29, 2020
Where Does Division Begin?
There is an enormous volume of discussion in our society about the divisions that exist. The divisions are racial, political, economic, age, location… the list could go on for paragraphs. Everybody is talking about division, but unfortunately division is always seen as someone else’s fault.
Abraham Lincoln famously spoke about the division among Americans during the Civil War.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” Abraham Lincoln
America, the country that God decided to be our home, (Acts 17:26) is in greater damage from inner forces than from foreign forces.
The natural response of many is “That’s right … they …” The problem of division never starts with “they.” The trouble of division starts with the division in every heart.
President Lincoln’s memorable speech gets its foundation on the words of Jesus. “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Jesus - Mark 3:25 ESV
Jesus’ and President Lincoln’s words describe the human heart. The divided heart of any person will ultimately end in chaos. The divided relationship of any couple will collapse. Division between parents and children will destroy a family. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” is true in every area of life.
Any time I contribute to the division, in any area of life, I become a tool of the primary “divider,” the destroyer of man’s souls, the Devil. We cannot put on the uniform of the kingdom of darkness.
“Jesus, deal with my heart so I appear not seed or feed division in any area of living. Teach me to love those who think differently than I do. Amen,”
Abraham Lincoln famously spoke about the division among Americans during the Civil War.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” Abraham Lincoln
America, the country that God decided to be our home, (Acts 17:26) is in greater damage from inner forces than from foreign forces.
The natural response of many is “That’s right … they …” The problem of division never starts with “they.” The trouble of division starts with the division in every heart.
President Lincoln’s memorable speech gets its foundation on the words of Jesus. “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” Jesus - Mark 3:25 ESV
Jesus’ and President Lincoln’s words describe the human heart. The divided heart of any person will ultimately end in chaos. The divided relationship of any couple will collapse. Division between parents and children will destroy a family. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” is true in every area of life.
Any time I contribute to the division, in any area of life, I become a tool of the primary “divider,” the destroyer of man’s souls, the Devil. We cannot put on the uniform of the kingdom of darkness.
“Jesus, deal with my heart so I appear not seed or feed division in any area of living. Teach me to love those who think differently than I do. Amen,”
Monday, May 25, 2020
Loving Our Neighbors
I have been thinking about how you and I can love our neighbors during the crisis moment. It is important to love your neighbor not primarily because they need to be loved but because Jesus said the second commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus taught that the second commandment to “Love your neighbor” is equal to the commandment to “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.”
If I’m mostly “staying home and staying safe,” HOW do I love my neighbor? (Your neighbor might be people who live around you, but your neighbor is also the cashier at the store, the barista at the coffee stand, the person you pass on the street or trail when you are walking, the cleaner that used to visit your house, the landscapers who care for your yard, the UPS delivery person, etc.)
Pray. What if you are the only one who is praying for your neighbor?
Be kind. Everyone you encounter is experiencing stress in unprecedented ways.
Greet and Talk. When you pass someone on the road or trail, greet them and talk to them – DO IT.
I regularly run similar routes. I regularly encounter an elderly widow woman I’ve known for years on my runs and I stop and take time to talk with her and often pray with and for her. Two years ago, she commented on my bright yellow running jacket, so I bought her a jacket and took it to her home. The jacket was the wrong size, so I returned it and got her a larger size. I often bump into her wearing the jacket. This woman is not a church person, but I’m determined to love on her and hopefully to love her to faith.
Ask Jesus to guide you and show you opportunities to love your neighbor. Then listen and, when prompted by the Spirit, act on that prompt.
You’ll be surprised how Jesus wants to use you to love people.
If I’m mostly “staying home and staying safe,” HOW do I love my neighbor? (Your neighbor might be people who live around you, but your neighbor is also the cashier at the store, the barista at the coffee stand, the person you pass on the street or trail when you are walking, the cleaner that used to visit your house, the landscapers who care for your yard, the UPS delivery person, etc.)
Pray. What if you are the only one who is praying for your neighbor?
Be kind. Everyone you encounter is experiencing stress in unprecedented ways.
Greet and Talk. When you pass someone on the road or trail, greet them and talk to them – DO IT.
I regularly run similar routes. I regularly encounter an elderly widow woman I’ve known for years on my runs and I stop and take time to talk with her and often pray with and for her. Two years ago, she commented on my bright yellow running jacket, so I bought her a jacket and took it to her home. The jacket was the wrong size, so I returned it and got her a larger size. I often bump into her wearing the jacket. This woman is not a church person, but I’m determined to love on her and hopefully to love her to faith.
Ask Jesus to guide you and show you opportunities to love your neighbor. Then listen and, when prompted by the Spirit, act on that prompt.
You’ll be surprised how Jesus wants to use you to love people.
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