Devotional September 28, 2023
This morning, I walked to Dollar General to purchase a couple of items. Since there was only one other customer, the cashier started putting up sale signs throughout the store. After happily finding out the plant food [that my plants have been crying for] was 50% off, I placed it in my cart and began searching the aisles for the cashier as I was ready to check out.
While waiting at the register, another customer entered the store, and instead of looking straight ahead, she turned her head in my direction, smiled, and said a happy, “Good Morning.” As I smiled and returned a jubilant good morning greeting, I silently thanked God again for another day of new mercies. Although saying, good morning with a smile is not popular anymore, there is a spiritual side to saying, good morning—it reflects the condition of one’s heart.
Expressing good morning [with a smile] reveals two character traits, gratitude and caring about others. Hearts bursting with love, care, and compassion have the desire to encourage and give hope to others. Social interaction with familiar people is expected, but when an individual extends the interaction to strangers, they recognize that life is good, and share that belief through spoken words.
Yes, the greeting of good morning comes from a grateful heart. When we awaken and reflect on our blessings of life, we know that God is Love! Yet, many believers have ungrateful hearts which prevent them from saying the spoken words of good morning.
“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (24) ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!'” —Lamentations 3:22-24
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Saying, “Good Morning, God” [with a smile] expresses gratitude to God for another day of life which we certainly are not promised, but often take for granted. The expression of Good Morning to others reveals and acknowledges God’s love, care, and compassion for humanity. And last but not least, saying, good morning is an effective outreach tool to witness the love of God within us to others.
With direct eye contact and a smile, we express good morning to everyone. Do not discriminate based on the person’s external appearance! Although we expect others to verbally respond to our greeting, they can respond in other ways. Whether they look at us and remain silent, or pretend they did not hear us, we are believers who are committed to our relationship with Christ, so we do not take a spirit of offense.
We will never know the impact of those two words on the person suffering in silence. If we strive to represent Christ and pray for others then the Holy Spirit will continue to remind them that hope still exists.
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:32
The suffering of humanity has intensified within the past four years. Many individuals are so overwhelmed that drug and alcohol addiction along with suicide are prevalent throughout this world. Unhealthy relationships and marriages have become the standard. We are the beacons of light who are called to alleviate the burdens of others.
The kindness that we demonstrate represents Christ and reveals that His love is overflowing within our hearts. A tender, compassionate heart proclaims our understanding of the Agape love that God has for us and Christ has for His Church [the righteous]. In His earthly life, Christ strived to uplift the burdened soul and to give hope and healing to all who believed and desired His help.
As disciples of Christ, saying “Good Morning” is our duty to God and humanity.
Scripture: “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
Prayer: Good Morning God, we thank You for Your love and the mercies of a new day. As we witness the love of Christ through our smiles and expressions of good morning, we ask You to provide peace and comfort to those who are despondent. Lord, help us to prioritize our spiritual calling to minister to others by seizing the opportunity to say Good Morning, God loves you. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God
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