Dear Church family and Friends,

READ 1 SAMUEL 25:1 THROUGH 27:12

During these times we currently face, we still need to remember kindness even to those who reject us and our message of hope. Being a Believer is a high calling and sometimes our efforts seem to go unappreciated or seem to have little effect on others. Below is an illustration of this struggle.

Mary and Tom had attempted for several years to become friends with their elderly neighbor, Martin. Tom mowed Martin’s lawn during the hot months, Mary baked cookies and pies and delivered them to him, and they both offered to run errands and do odd jobs for him. Despite their efforts, Martin never seemed to appreciate any of their kind acts. Instead, he would often curse and insult them and demand that they leave him alone.

That humans sometimes repay good with evil is a lesson David also understood.

David had just said, “It’s been useless—all my watching over this fellow’s property in the wilderness so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good” (1 Samuel 25:21).

So how should we respond, should the response of others stop our kindness and serving of those around us? Jesus always displayed kindness and compassion for the people He encountered. His death on the cross was the greatest example of His love. Yet still today, many people reject and despise Him. Christians cannot change people’s hearts; only God can. But you can be an example of His love and pray for those who reject you.

Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9-10 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Challenge for Today: Reevaluate our offense towards others who may not seem to be responding to our serving and kindness. Are you doing it to be a follower of Jesus and serve others, or is it to gain praise for yourself?