Craig Clouston

 Love Your Neighbor

January 23

Therefore, as God’s chosen people and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

It was raining hard when they drove by the man walking along the side of the road. Soaking wet, he blended into the darkness. They’d seen him before and knew he was headed for the bridge up ahead. He would spend the night under the bridge above the river.

Continuing across the bridge, Kenny dropped Betty off at home and quickly gathered a few items. Returning across the bridge, he found the man just reaching the point where he usually dropped off into the underworld he preferred. 

Rolling down the window, Kenny asked if there was anything he could do. The man shyly declined and began to step over the guardrail. The urgency in Kenny’s voice stopped him, and the rain-soaked man turned, saying, “I could use a little bit to eat if you’ve got something.” 

Asking him to get in, Kenny headed home where he and Betty shared conversation and a meal with the man. Finished eating, he declined lodging. He was given dry clothes, a backpack, and an umbrella. Eagerly accepting the items and excusing himself, he left the house, opening the umbrella as he walked down the hill toward the bridge.

Neither Kenny nor Betty would ever forget the broken-toothed grin that was shyly given in response to the love they had shared with this child of God as he walked out of their lives.

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Blessings beyond our wildest imagination are both given and received when we step outside our comfort zone in an effort to treat others with respect. We are given opportunities to minister in difficult circumstances. It is God’s desire that we take the time to let our hearts express the kindness and compassion He inherently gave us. We don’t know what this act of kindness did for that man on that rainy night, but we rest in the knowledge that God never leaves seeds unwatered.

Prayer

“Father, please make me an instrument of Your love. Teach me to give of my time as well as my finances. Help me recognize the opportunities for what they really are, Your test of my love for You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”