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| Infectious smile! |
If we are to be disciples of Christ, as the apostles were, we are to go out into the world filled with the life of Christ pumping so hard through our veins that we just cannot contain it. We don't have a choice. This is what we are called to do.
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| Happy bunch right there, don't ya' think? |
And I don't mean only sometimes…or to certain people...or when things are going well. We must praise God in all situations - good or bad. God has a plan for each of us and as disciples, we must completely trust in his love and care for us. He has told us that we are more precious to him than the birds in the sky. Don't they always find what they need - food, drink, shelter? God takes care of us more than that. He loves us more.
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| Beautiful …and cared for! |
Every time we open our mouths or interact with other human beings, it is a chance to speak God's language - the language of LOVE and of LIFE. We must listen to what others are saying, we must ask how others are doing, we must breathe love and life out of every pore of our bodies. Every word that comes out of our mouths is either breathing life or slowly killing it. There really is no in-between. Think about that. Do we not think that most of our words are benign? A simple hello?, good-bye?, how much is that?, thanks? Our words are not benign. They are either life giving or life draining.
I'm talking about the attendants at the local fast-food joint. Say hi. Compliment them.
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| They're making your food. |
I'm talking about the nurses and doctors who are caring for you. Realize they are overworked and would like a smile and an understanding heart.
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| He's saving your child's life. |
I'm talking about your cleaning lady or your yard guy. They are people with families whom they are caring for with the money earned from physical labor on your property so you can live more comfortably. Offer them waters or food. Most people do not.
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| Now add demanding owners, bugs, bad weather, animal excrement…you get the idea. |
I'm talking about the cranky secretary at your child's school. She is probably overworked and underpaid and is worrying about issues at home. Bring her flowers or a bowl of cut-up fruit. Sympathize with how hard she is working.
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| Yup, do something nice for her. |
I'm talking about the homeless person sitting at the exit ramp of the freeway. He is God's child, and God loves him. If you dare to open your window and give him your spare change, will you not then converse with him? Tell him God loves him and you'll pray for him. Watch his face change.
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| That's right. God bless YOU! And Jesus does love all. |
I'm talking about your children. Were your words today ones that built them up or tore them down?
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| Were you down on her level today? Did you listen? What did your words sound like to her? |
I'm talking about your spouse. Did you tell him/her you love him/her at least five times today? Did you kiss him/her? What was your tone when speaking to him/her? Were you understanding of his/her circumstances or difficulties? Did you speak love and life to him/her … ALL DAY?
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| …that would be the language of LOVE. |
I'm talking about every single person, all day long, every day of the year, in every circumstance. Tall order to fill, but we kind of have to if we are disciples of Christ.
Will this make you stand out? Yes. Will it make you seem weird to some? Sure. Will people take notice? Yes. People will want to know why you are so happy. Happiness is contagious. Spread it. Spread words of LOVE and LIFE to everyone you meet …everywhere ...all the time! Don't worry, thousands are behind you …
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| … definitely speaking LIFE! |
and you only have to worry about following one.
