For a number of weeks through this past winter, I was out in western Canada to visit family. In some places, the ice underfoot was thick and treacherous. I am used to having salt mixed in the gravel that is applied to roads and parking lots through the winter, but it was so cold that salt was useless, so walking was difficult.

Occasionally, we went to a restaurant. One time, I was inching ever so slowly across the ice to the step into the restaurant when someone took hold of my arm and held on tightly, saying, "You need help." The man with graying hair helped me to the step, which had been cleared of snow and ice. I thanked him for his kindness and thoughtfulness. He sloughed it off, saying, "I need to help someone who has the same boots as me." The man pointed to our footwear, and the style was identical. We both chuckled.

Another time, there was so much ice that I had to hold onto the car door handles and inch my way to the sidewalk. This time, a young man stopped to help. I thanked him for his kindness.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. (NIV)

I will probably not see these kind, considerate men again, but as long as I have memory, I will remember their acts of kindness. The actions of these men are an example of how believers should show God's love through compassion, kindness, gentleness, and selfless love.

Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)

God's love to mankind was demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus, to Calvary to pay the penalty for our sin. The dictionary explains compassion as "love in action". We need to love others through the eyes of Jesus. The two men for whom I am grateful put my safety above their own risk of falling.

Ephesians 5:1-2 – Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (NIV)

Day by day, we must remember that we are Jesus' witnesses. We need to look for times when we can show kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness to others, as God has to us. We need to put others ahead of ourselves and love as Jesus would.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love in Jesus Christ. Help us to be aware of the needs of others around us. Help us to extend compassion and help wherever we can as imitators of You. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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