Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Advent Week Two: Peace ~ Day Four

Today's devotion is from guest blogger, Kris.

Romans 2:6-11
God will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Would you like peace in your life, your job, your family, your heart? Romans 2:10-11 simply says, “Do good and God will give you peace, glory and honor.” Wow! By doing good we get all this?

The flip side is also true; those who refuse to obey the truth will be judged by their actions. If you read verse 3, you will see that if we judge others for things we do ourselves we can expect God to judge us. Verse 4 adds, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”

We can also use kindness to help others turn from their sin. How much more will we bless someone’s life if we treat them with kindness and patience? When we treat others with distain and a “holier than thou” attitude, they shut us off. They will not likely hear the words we speak, even if the words are right. But if we show kindness we may have much more opportunity to share the truth of God’s love. How many people do you think changed their mind about abortion because of those who called them killers or used a gun on the doctor? I know a woman who waits on the sidewalk outside an abortion clinic for a few hours every day. She isn’t angry; she just offers a kind smile and someone to talk to if the woman is willing. She has seen hundreds of women change their minds and choose life for their unborn child.

Smile at your mean coworker. To the clerk at the store having a bad day, be patient as they check out your groceries. Compliment the barista at the coffee shop on a job well done (maybe even if it isn’t), and learn her name. Show kindness and patience wherever you go and God will give you glory, honor and peace. Others will be blessed and so will you!

And remember that God doesn’t show favoritism, so neither should you. Whether a person is old or young, male or female, or has white, yellow or green hair, be kind and do good to all. Sometimes those who look the strangest need it the most.

Challenge: Smile at everyone you make eye contact with today.

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