You can tell a great deal about a man (or woman) by the way they smile. Just as the eyes are the window to the soul, a smile can tell tales about the heart. It can be a thin mask over pain, or an outlet for overwhelming joy. A sardonic grin or a mischievous one. A person's face is usually the first place they will show reactions. With your smile, you can encourage or crush a struggling friend.
One of the major things that makes a room full of people seem cold and lonely is the lack of a warm smile. It can mean so much to a hurting person to have some one look them in the eyes and give that genuine sign of love. It does not take any time for some one busy, nor much effort from some one tired; and yet what a world of difference it can make. It also can work back round to you; as you see your smile returned or simply as you improve your own attitude and lift your spirits.
So why do we not make that effort? Are we just too self-absorbed? Do we expect others to reach out to us and meet our needs before we think that they could need the encouragement as much as us? I know I often do.
Jesus did not come to be served, but to be servant of all. That is a lowly position indeed. He did not court the attentions of the rich and lofty; He, the Son of the Most High God, lifted up fishermen and publicans and ministered to their empty souls.
Even so, we are called to do.
One of the major things that makes a room full of people seem cold and lonely is the lack of a warm smile. It can mean so much to a hurting person to have some one look them in the eyes and give that genuine sign of love. It does not take any time for some one busy, nor much effort from some one tired; and yet what a world of difference it can make. It also can work back round to you; as you see your smile returned or simply as you improve your own attitude and lift your spirits.
So why do we not make that effort? Are we just too self-absorbed? Do we expect others to reach out to us and meet our needs before we think that they could need the encouragement as much as us? I know I often do.
Jesus did not come to be served, but to be servant of all. That is a lowly position indeed. He did not court the attentions of the rich and lofty; He, the Son of the Most High God, lifted up fishermen and publicans and ministered to their empty souls.
Even so, we are called to do.
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. "
~ 1 John 4:11
Follow the Master.
Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment