Key Bible Verse: "Do for others what you would like them to do for you. This is a summary of all that is taught in the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). Bonus Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

I was impatiently standing in line at the grocery store on a brutally frigid evening, anxious to get to my warm home for dinner. But the line wasn't moving.

I waited and waited. I shifted my weight. I sighed loudly. I muttered under my breath. Still no movement. What was taking so long? Was the cashier a trainee? Was some customer chattering away to her? My blood pressure was rising fast.

Finally I looked at the head of the line to see who was daring to delay me—and I saw a tiny elderly woman slowly and painfully pulling dollar bills out of her wallet in slow motion, her hands red and raw and stiffened by the icy weather. She could barely move her fingers. Apparently she had walked to the store in the subzero weather.

Oh, man. My point of view (POV) was instantly readjusted. I glanced heavenward for forgiveness, then walked over to say, "Excuse me, ma'am, you don't know me, but it's cold outside and I've got a car. May I give you a ride home?"

This is what I've found: the Golden Rule becomes the most natural response in the world once you see life from the other person's POV.

—Lee Strobel in God's Outrageous Claims

My Response: Whose POV is God wanting me to see?

Thought to Apply: The great thing about serving the poor is that there is no competition.—EUGENE RIVERS (Boston pastor & social activist)

Adapted from God's Outrageous Claims (Zondervan, 1997, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, please motivate me to reflect Your compassionate heart to hurting people around me.

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