Brighten someone's day
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."(NIV) Galatians 5:13
Bible reading: Romans 15:1-7
Several years ago I read a story about the famous baseball player, Babe Ruth. Ruth, while playing in a game against the Reds, made a number of errors. In fact, in one inning, his errors led to the Reds scoring five runs. In large part, Babe cost his team the game.
Wouldn't you know it, the team's fans really let Ruth have it. They booed and shouted at Ruth for his errors and costing the team its victory.
If you follow sports at all, you know this is a fairly typical response. However, it's what happened next in the story that I really want to press upon your heart. Just as the crowd was shouting at "the Babe," making him feel worse than he already did, a little boy made his way to the "bigger than life" ball player and wrapped his arms around Ruth's leg to give him a great big hug. Ruth picked the boy up, and gave him a hug right back. The crowd was silenced.
Sometimes, we can be more like the jeering crowd, than the cheering boy. Instead of encouraging the heart of our neighbor, we discourage it.
Our job is to serve and minister to one another. We're to build up, not tear down. Paul said, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” (Rm. 15:1). Paul is saying we ought to help one another.
The apostle also said, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Gal. 5:13).
Today, let's be our neighbor's greatest cheerleader. Don't be like the crowd who booed the ball player off the field. Rather, be like the little boy who, with one act of kindness, changed the entire mood of the stadium and hushed the crowd. You'll be amazed at what one small act of kindness can do to brighten someone's difficult day.