Devotions
SUCH A LITTLE THING
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV
All you have to do is go to the grocery store looking for hand sanitizer to discover there is a shortage of certain items. “Supply and demand” is an economic concept with which most of us are familiar. But, to summarize, when the demand for a product is greater than the supply, a shortage is inevitable and the price for the item goes up. In a free market environment, most of us in the twenty-first century have not experienced shortages of necessary items until COVID-19 hit across the world. Now, a trip to the store may send you home empty-handed for things like toilet paper, paper towels, and even fresh produce or meat products. While we would all like for this not to be the case, there is little we possess within our power to change it.
In a different arena, I find there is another shortage in supply and that would be in the expression of kindness. Polarization in every category known to mankind seems to be escalating. Is it possible that only “bad news” is what makes the television news ratings go up, therefore we only get bad news? Or, are people on Facebook and Twitter more emboldened because they can remain faceless behind words of hatred and political mudslinging? Now, to make matters worse, face mask requirements somehow encourage some people to “act out” their frustrations, thinking no one can see them.
Friend, the Scripture in Ephesians is very clear. When Paul wrote the letter to the church in Ephesus, the Christians at that time must have looked a little like us today. An interesting fact is that Paul’s message was written, not to unbelievers but to the professed church representation. God wants Christians of any generation to set the example for the world around us because if we do not, who will? Kindness, patience, and self-control have to begin with those of us who say that we bring “Good News” through Jesus Christ.
As we go into a new week, let us commit to show kindness and compassion to those in our path, even when it is in low supply. Remember, “low supply means greater demand.” Christian, we can do this because God is our Supplier and He never runs low on what is needed.
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Hello Sherry,
I am so happy to be in touch with you! I think of you often of your friendship, our spiritual discussions, your generous gifts to me, your wonderful support and your musical talents shared while at River Rd UMC! God is good and all the time!
I just turned 86 years old in July and don’t have room to list all of God’s blessings through the years. I am still playing organ and piano for May Memorial Baptist Church here in Powhatan although After 75 years in music ministry for Him I will be retiring on August 30th. I do have back problems so find it painful to sit on the organ bench. This church has a spirit-lead pastor, a very loving congregation, great missions program, an exceptional Sunday School teacher and the best traditional choir in Powhatan.
You know I lost my Fred in June, 2017 and miss him every day. I know you continue to miss Richard. God is our companion, our keeper, our right hand and our ALL!
Thanks be to God!
Looking forward to your messages! Love!
Dear Mary Ellen,
Oh my goodness…I am so excited to get your sweet message and to hear from you. I think of you so often as you have been a beautiful link in my spiritual journey all of these past years. I’m glad to hear you are still playing the organ and involved in music. You are the best in traditional Christian worship music!
Mary Ellen, I did not know about Fred’s passing and I am so very sorry. He was such a sweet person, always, and I know you miss him terribly. Yes, I think of my Richard every single day and will continue to do so until I see him again in eternity, as you will Fred. Aren’t we thankful that God doesn’t let us know ahead of time His plans?
I have not sung for several years, now, as my voice was never the same after having nodules removed from my vocal cords. Today, I sing in the shower!! God has blessed me in its place with a burning desire to write for Him and for His glory. I am in Delaware for the summer but would love to get together when I return to Richmond in September and assuming we can do so safely. Mary Ellen, you are a treasure to me and I pray God’s very best for you as you head into retirement. Of course, as we both know, there is no such thing as “retirement” until God is finished with us 🙂
Sending you love…Sherry