For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.
–1 Peter 2:20
God wants us to live commendable lives — to love God and to love others in the same way He loves them.
One of the ways He wants us to do this is to brighten the moods and hearts of the people around us.
My wife and I try to do this wherever we go. For example, one time when we were in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, we shared some laughs with complete strangers — people who were taking pictures of themselves while posing in funny positions and making silly faces.
Another time when we were on a cruise ship with a group of people, mainly senior citizens, a couple from Spain photobombed us. We all had a good laugh over that, and as a result, we shared many more laughs with them (and several others) over the course of the trip.
When we commit ourselves to God, we commend our lives to Him.
Looking back at those times, we believe God used them as opportunities for us to share the joy of Jesus with the people whose paths crossed ours. We reached out to some of God’s children we didn’t know. We connected with them in a positive way. And it felt good.
Prayer
Dear God, Help me to have a positive attitude in any situation so people are encouraged because of the time they spend with me. I commit myself to You completely. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
What will I do to encourage others and be a positive influence today?