Devotion: Friendliness and the Ability to “Humanize” Others
Please take a moment to read Philippians 2:1-11.
St. Paul encourages his congregation to overflow with love for others and demonstrate the tenderness of Christ by sharing the Spirit, having a tender and sympathetic heart, being agreeable and working together with one heart and mind, resisting selfishness, humbling oneself, and having an interest in others. St. Paul believes that when humans act in these ways, they emulate the love and selflessness of Christ.
These habits should be a daily mantra. But for many of us, we forget. We focus on ourselves, believe we know best, and discern if others are worthy of our attention. How sad. But we’ve all done it. Pastor Greg’s sermon told us that while dogs learn and practice behaviors, their DNA changes. Through daily practice, we, too, can change our Love DNA.
Several years ago, my husband and I traveled to El Salvador with Sheridan’s Habitat team. We drove high into the coffee mountains and past remains of ancient volcanoes where we joined another team. It was winter there, so the skies were daily filled with mist, the ground around our project was mud, and we were challenged by new foods and a lack of luxuries we Americans take for advantage.
But it only took one day to realize how this trip would bless me. Even though the women washed clothes in a tub and hung them to dry in the mist, they proudly sent their children to the school bus stop each day in clean, pressed uniforms. Their houses consisted of four small rooms with dirt-pressed floors. But when our team’s younger women visited the residents’ homes, they were showered with local hospitality. One man proudly showed us his garden and smiled as he related that he could harvest three crops of vegetables each season.
Language was a barrier for me. But most days, I simply needed a smile and the willingness to watch their faces. The nonverbal communication was clear. One toothless woman with deep wrinkles proudly introduced me to her beautiful granddaughter. Later I learned the grandmother was younger than me. It was obvious that she cherished her life filled with children, grandchildren, and the love of the community. The Habitat teams were the ones who were given God’s blessings. Soon, it was evident that each member of our team had bonded with a community member. A seven-year-old beauty chose my husband as her favorite friend. At the last day’s fiesta, she and Steve danced to each song. I stood close with my eyes filled with humbled tears.
I thought I have gone to El Salvador to help the poor, but I left filled with riches that only God can provide. Never since then, have I looked at someone at the Barnabas Community or on the streets and consider them less than myself. Our situations are different. How we managed life’s pressures or disappointments were not the same. But each person is worthy. Worthy of my attention. Worthy of my concern. Worthy of my friendship.
Become involved with organizations like the Barnabas Community or Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach. Put yourself in a situation where you must humble yourself and be concerned for another human. My experience humbled me so greatly. It has affected my heart and my DNA.
Dear God,
During this Lenten season, send your Holy Spirit to teach and encourage us to humble ourselves each day. Lead us to people who need our attention and concern. Guide us to follow St. Paul’s words of encouragement. Through your selfless love and your sacrifice, we pray. Amen.
Written by Glenda Clare
Glenda and her husband, Steve, joined Sheridan Lutheran in the spring of 2003. At previous Lutheran churches, Glenda has been active as an organist, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and has served on liturgy teams. As a retired English and Speech Communications educator, Glenda enjoys reading, writing, and caring for two-year-old granddaughter, Rose.