Are you ready to let God love others through you, even in the most inconvenient moments? After an unexpectedly long travel day with many delays, the last thing on my mind was showing God’s love to others. My eyes burned from exhaustion, my stomach growled with hunger, and I shivered against the cold night air. Crankiness seemed to inhabit my entire body, and I had convinced myself I deserved a free pass for extending kindness.
Do you know the feeling? When life is overwhelming, and more of yourself seems too much to ask?
Thankfully, a calm friend picked me up and offered to stop for food. Despite my frustration, I couldn’t deny that I was grateful for their kindness and generosity.
After a day of missed connections, rerouted flights, and endless delays, a sandwich was all I wanted. Nothing more, nothing less.
When we arrived at Arby’s, I sighed as I realized my wallet was deep beneath my luggage in the trunk. Too tired to dig for cash, I grabbed my credit card and proceeded to the door. My goal was simple: order my food and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
That’s when I saw him.
A Divine Interruption
Sitting by the door, wrapped in a threadbare blanket, a young man looked up at me with kind yet weary eyes. “Ma’am, do you have any money to spare?”
“No, I’m sorry, I don’t have any cash,” I answered quickly, the words slipping out before I had time to consider them.
Technically, I wasn’t lying. My cash was in the car, buried deep down, not on me. But as I stood inside waiting for my food, something stirred within me. I couldn’t shake the pull towards this young man. Questions flooded my mind:
Where is his family? What is his story? Are the shelters full? Is he hungry? Is he cold? Would money even help? Why me? Why tonight?
Hadn’t I written about how lost people matter and how our actions should reflect God’s love? I realized this was one of those moments that tested whether my walk matched my words.
In that moment, God reminded me that loving others doesn’t require perfection but willingness. So, I ordered an extra sandwich meal, added a drink and some sauce, and walked back outside.
The Power of Small Gestures
When I handed the meal to this young man, he looked up with such gratitude that my exhaustion no longer mattered. He was only a few years older than my son, and his tender eyes made me realize how much I wanted him to feel seen and valued.
The meal I gave him wouldn’t solve his problems or change his circumstances, but it did say, “I see you, and you matter.” And in that moment, I allowed God’s love to shine through me.
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”Loving others doesn’t require perfection, just willingness. 💕 Even a small gesture can shine God’s love into someone’s life. How will you show kindness today? #IntentionalLove #FaithInAction #love #mareedee Share on X
(Matthew 25:40, NIV)
Does Your Love Stop When It Feels Small?
Do you hesitate to give because you think it won’t make a difference? I often feel that way.
Yet, God calls us to show His love, and the small ways matter, too. Sometimes, a simple gesture—a smile or a word of encouragement—can ripple further than we imagine. It’s not about fixing every problem or giving perfectly but about being the vessel for God’s love. Small acts of kindness have the power to change lives, including our own.
Could I have done more for that young man? Absolutely. Could I have helped in a better way? Possibly. But what mattered most was that I did something.
A Christmas Reminder to Love
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is unpacking our family’s Jesus stocking. We hang it as a reminder to love others intentionally throughout the season. Every year, we fill it with notes describing acts of kindness—many done in secret.
These small acts of love are our way of thanking God for His greatest gift: Jesus. If you’d like to start this tradition, tap here.
Letting God Love Others Through You
This season, will you allow God to use you to show kindness to others? The holidays are often stressful and overwhelming, but they are perfect for intentional love.
“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you… yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.”
—Mother Teresa
So, let’s smile at our brothers and sisters, offer them a helping hand, and intentionally spread love in our daily lives. The joy and fulfillment that come from showing intentional love are unparalleled, and they can truly make this season and every day feel like Christmas.
It’s easy to be consumed by the season’s busyness, but when we pause to see the people God places in our path, we can be His hands and feet. Each of us has a unique role to play in God’s plan, and by allowing Him to love others through us, we can make a significant impact in the world.
Even a smile or kind word can make a difference when life overwhelms you. ✨ Let’s commit to showing God’s love in small, meaningful ways. What’s your favorite way to bless someone? #LoveInAction #MareeDee Share on XReflection Questions:
- Who has God placed in your life that needs His love today?
- How can you bless someone with a small but meaningful gesture?
- What traditions can you start to remind yourself and your family to love intentionally?
Let’s keep the spirit of Christmas alive, not solely during the holidays but every day. In these moments of unexpected grace, we truly can let God’s love shine through us. Together, we can make a difference—one small act at a time. Remember, every time we let God love others through us, it’s Christmas. Let’s make this holiday season and beyond a time of intentional love and kindness for all.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
(John 13:35, NIV).
Intentional Christmas Love
This December, let’s focus on what matters most: love. Join us each week for a new challenge as we turn our hearts toward God, ourselves, and others. Together, we can celebrate the true meaning of the season.
Tap here to find a roundup of our favorite books, posts, and gifts during the holiday.
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Loving others doesn’t require perfection, just willingness. SO true, I love this Maree Dee … 💕
Thanks for sharing your experience. We are called to be kind to others and we never really know what someone is walking through or dealing with. I try to remember the Bible never commands us to like anyone but the Word does command us to love everyone–regardless of what they do, say, etc.
Thank you for sharing your encounter at Arby’s. I think we underestimate the powerful impact of a bit of kindness coupled with prayer and a surrendered heart.
Michele, You are right. I become paralyzed when I think it isn’t grand enough. Yet, a simple smile from someone does wonders for me. Maree
This is beautiful! I know exactly how you felt, I have been in your shoes, feeling exhausted and yet God still brings the opportunities across our paths. Your kindness to that young man helped him feel seen and loved. Beautiful post my friend … 🙏💕
Thank you, my friends. It’s so good to know that I’m not the only one who has experienced those moments of exhaustion and not wanting to help. Blessings to you, Maree.
Willingness and not perfection! You’re speaking to my heart, friend! Thank you for this today!
Stacey,
You know what’s funny? I’m actually talking to myself too!
Maree
I really appreciate your reflection questions within your post. It gave me some ideas I can do. Thank you for the encouragement!
Sherry,
Thank you for letting me know that you liked the reflection questions. I don’t always include them. Merry Christmas!
Maree
Advent blessings to you and yours, Maree …
Thank you, Linda. Wishing you a Merry Christmas! Maree
Yes, even the smallest gesture of goodwill can mean so much Maree.
Blessings, Jennifer
Absolutely, they can definitely make a difference. Sometimes, a simple smile from a stranger can brighten my day.
What a sweet story. I can certainly identify with your feelings of wanting to take care of your needs when you’re exhausted, hungry, and frustrated. I hope the young man finds help. If we each do our part I believe it adds up to fulfill God’s purposes.
Thank you so much, Deb, for taking the time to read my post and for your lovely comment! It really warms my heart to know I’m not alone in this. I absolutely loved what you said about each of us doing our part to fulfill God’s purposes. Maree