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Remember the 2000 movie "Pay it Forward?" For those of you who have never seen it, the base storyline is about a kid wanting to change the way people treat each other. He decided to do acts of service and kindness for others to see if others would "pay it forward" with no strings attached. Ever wonder why that movie wasn't based on a true story? I don't. More times than not, we are motivated by self-interest. "What's in it for me?" or "How will this benefit me in the long run?” I recall after that movie hit the theaters people tried to start a "pay it forward" movement. I also recall that it fizzled out pretty quickly. From time to time, mostly during the holiday season, people will pay for the order of the person behind them in the drive-thru lane. The only benefit that the payer is getting is knowing that he or she is blessing someone else. What a feeling! There's just something about doing for others without expectations of receiving back. It's hard to verbally express the happiness that wells up inside the soul when you do that.
There's a reason that the soul finds joy and comfort in serving others. God tells us it's good, it's needed, it's Christ-like. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another," Galatians 5:13. We have freedom to do whatever we want (both legally and spiritually), and God is telling us to use our freedom for the benefit of others. What might that look like? Well, what talents has God gifted you with (1 Peter 4:10)? For me, God gifted me with an ability to easily connect with others, crafting, writing, etc. I've been able to freely spend time with people and be a listening ear. Make a memorial teacup garden for a grieving widow. Proofread public speeches for someone running for local office. There are so many ways we can freely bless others even without spending a dime! But, if you have a lot of extra dimes (which God gifted you with), you can bless others monetarily too. It really is easy to serve others; we just must be willing to listen. And listening means focusing on someone else.
I think sometimes people don't think it's OK to revere others as more important or even equal in the very least. I like watching people. You can tell a lot about a person just by watching their facial expressions, the way they drive, talk, or shop. As I sit at a red light, I can't help but notice the tailgaters and lane hoppers just trying to get there first. And if they're actually going slow enough to see their face...oh boy, if looks could kill! And how about the road rage "bird wave" or not so pleasant shouts coming from the driver side window? And let's not forget about Christmas shopping season...do I really even need to say more? Where did the decency go? Romans 12:16 says, "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight." Sounds like a lot of us are breaking God's heart. God says it isn't just OK, but it is His will for us to see the value and worth in others. Imagine how deep an impact a kind gesture has on an unsuspecting person. Try letting someone go before you the next time you have the opportunity, it is a simple act that could leave a big impression.
Yes, I fully acknowledge that not everyone will respond positively. But when that happens, not if, you still get to have that "feel good" feeling inside...if you allow it. And that is something that will take practice over and over again. Our kneejerk sinful reaction to those who "snub" us after offering kindness is "how dare they, I'll show them!" That's where your conversation with God
comes in and you immediately request His help for both you and the snubber. That person may not have reciprocated kindness or appreciation, but God saw it. Whose approval are we after anyway, God's or another imperfect person's? "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another," John 13:34-35...just let that sink in for a moment. He's not asking for the impossible, He's asking for us to be different, to stand out. People motivated by self-interest will respond to snubbers out of offensive anger. It may sometimes feel impossible to love one another, just imagine how God feels about each and every one of us sinners. I want to make clear that loving others doesn't mean we give them permission to abuse or mistreat us. We can still show love to the snubbers by not repaying evil for evil and by praying for them. I'd love for you to join me in being some kind of different.