She arrived at church with one thought. She would love those she saw. It was difficult because she knew what many had said or done behind closed doors but then who was she but a sinner saved by grace. She spoke to those around her and then felt the chill of someone who had made it quite clear that they did not care for her. She extended her hand, with genuine warmth, and was met with an obligatory hand shake. She held the eyes of the person for just a moment. Thinking to herself she wanted to will the person to see she cared, but off they went to speak to someone they liked. But love not returned was still love.
Going home she saw the news and was horrified by the evil on display. She saw it for what it was. Those who did those things with no regard were serving the evil one. She had to turn it off. She couldn't stand to see such things paraded as good. She began to think of the blessings she had. Her family, her home, her food, her health, her salvation. She thought of those who loved her and thanked God for the good in her world.
As she went about her chores that day she tried to put others first. She opened the door for the stranger, she gave to the poor on the street corner, she prayed for the friend who was ill, she spoke kindly to the grumpy neighbor. She spent time studying God's word. She repented of her sin for not being fervent enough for God. She served God in the simple ways she was able to. She was not a famous TV evangelist, nor was she a learned scholar, but she could bless those who made fun of her faith, she could show others her hope was in God and she could show people the virtue of patience when things did not go well.
She was known as a good listener. Her joy was genuine. When you were happy, she was happy for you. When you were sad, she wept with you. Her friends came from all walks of life. Those who were well to do and powerful, just as much as those who had little and weren't valued in society. She was a true friend to all and opened her doors to each. When she was wrong, she would gladly admit it. She did not think she was "all that". She was quiet more than she spoke. Many of her friends considered her wise. She herself thought others were wiser.
When she was mistreated for being humble and kind to all, she wished no evil on anyone. She longed for them to love God as she loved God. She longed for them to receive His forgiveness as she had. She didn't worry about "getting back" at someone because she knew that God would repay evil. Her goal was peace. Peace between herself and those who mistreated her. God indeed had said that she should overcome evil with good.
So who is this woman? Oh to be like her! To put God first and self last, to show true love, to be kind and generous. She is a person like Paul was describing in Romans 9: 12-21. In this passage Paul describes the ideal behavior of a Christian. If I take out the word 'she' in the paragraphs above and replace them with my own name how much of what I read would still be true?
In Romans 13:12 Paul tells us:
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."
We can't just read the passage in Chapter 9 and give up. These words should be our goals. We can't say living a life of virtue and righteousness is impossible. Paul tells us "the day is at hand". We have armor - it is the light of Christ - let's armor up and go love!
There is a beautiful old hymn called "Make Me A Channel of Blessing" by H. G. Smyth. Listen to it here
The chorus to this hymn goes like this:
Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.
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