And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. ~Mark 10:16 (NIV)
How often do we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of care? Every expression of love has the potential to change a heart and ultimately a life. Expressing our love, acceptance and kindness towards others helps build their confidence and gives people value and worth. Jesus did not underestimate any act of kindness that demonstrated the love of God, so He took the time. In Luke 6:19 we read “and the people all tried to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all.” (NIV) We should be demonstrating that same power every day. We should be bringing healing and encouragement to the broken down and broken hearted around us at every opportunity. Jesus Himself told us in John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (NKJV) The words “most assuredly” are powerful words. Another way of putting it would be “you can count on this to be true”. That was how emphatic Jesus was about what He was about to say. Doing greater works than Jesus could be a hard pill to swallow. Who do you know that believes they are capable? Many would say it was blasphemy to even talk that way. But Jesus told us it was most assuredly true!
The real question should be…what great works should we be doing? Could it be that those great works might just be putting your arm around someone who needs a hug right now? Could it perhaps turn their life around? God wants us all to be performing miracles every day. Parting the Red Sea was exactly what the Israelites needed at their moment for a miracle and dinner was what over 5000 people needed when Jesus blessed what they had, and it kept on producing. What great need do you see around you? Ask God to reveal to you how you might do great works in your home and at work or in your communities now. Start taking an inventory of what you have to offer. It just could be exactly what the next person you encounter is praying for. It’s not money or power or success that gives us joy in our heart, it is love, specifically the love of God. We can't live without it because we were created for it, to love God and to love others. Many people say, “love makes the world go round”, and that is true but only because God is love. It’s love that holds this world together and it’s love that holds yours and my world together. Love is miraculous! Receive God’s love and then go out and share it. Ask yourself regularly how you can demonstrate God’s love to others. Take the time to give whatever it is you have to offer; a hug, a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear…there is unlimited power and potential in every act of kindness!
Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. ~Hebrews 13:1-3 (MSG)
What great work are you going to do today?
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