Daily Devotional
What Do We All Need?
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
John 13:34
May 1, 2022
Ponder This
Love is not giving others what they deserve but giving them what they need. A well-known preacher into an airport restaurant. The waitress came out and she was not very friendly. She said, “What do you want?”
“Well, I’d like some breakfast.” So he gave the order. She went back into the kitchen, came out again with a bad look on her face, slapped the food down, and said, “You want anything else?” He said, “No, ma’am. That’s fine. Thank you.” So she turned and went away. He ate his breakfast, filled out the check, and left a $20.00 bill on the table.
He turned and started to walk out and the waitress said, “Hey, you! You left some money on the table.” He replied, “Well, don’t they tip around here?” She said, “Wait a minute. You left a twenty-dollar tip after the way I treated you?” He said, “Yes, ma’am.” She asked, “Why would you do that?” He said, “I was watching you. I could tell you were hurt. You must have some problem, and I just thought I would show you some love.” She began to cry. She said, “You don’t know the problems I’ve had. I left a child today sick. Coming to work, my old car broke down. The boss got all over me for being late. Yes, I’ve had some problems.” And this conversation gave the man an opportunity to share the Gospel with this lady. Do you know what that is? That’s Christ-like love. That is not giving her what she deserved; it was giving her what she needed, and what she needed right then was love.
- How has God shown you even more love in Christ than the example in today’s devotion?
- How might you display this love to others?
Practice This
Take action to show love to someone else today by giving not what is deserved but what is needed.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
