Wednesday - BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE


BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE 

Carey Madding 

Today's Scripture: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.” Philippians 4:10, ESV   

Theme: Concern yourself with others’ needs. Care deeply and give generously when you have the opportunity. 

COLD AND HARD 

It’s been a rough season. Never in my entire life has there been so much anger, vitriol, and distrust in our country and neighborhoods. It seems that we have lost basic human kindness and care. So, I am drawn to t-shirts and slogans that promote kindness. “Work hard and be kind.” “Flood the internet with kindness.” “Be the reason someone smiles today.”  

MODELED BY GOD 

And I’m so very grateful that we have a God who values and promotes kindness. It’s an everlasting attribute of God (Isaiah 54:10). It’s a characteristic (Fruit) of believers who are living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Bible tells us to be “kind and compassionate” to each other (Ephesians 4:32). Love is first seen by the kindness it exhibits (1 Corinthians 13:4). The extreme kindness of God is demonstrated as He sends His only Son, Jesus. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:4-6, ESV). 

As the parable of The Good Samaritan shows, I don’t have to know my neighbor to care for my neighbor. They may not need medical help or my resources, but everyone needs my attention and respect. Over the last few years, I have tried to overcome the anger “out there” and the angst it created “in here” by loving. Regardless.  

REVIVE US AGAIN 

Reviving and remembering my love for specific friends or family members, recalling past good times and the value that God puts on their lives: all these help me deal with those who have hurt or betrayed me. For the new people whom God places before me, realizing that He loves them enough to die for them makes me want to care for them too, no matter their politics, lifestyle, language, or need. Whether someone needs my time or my money, allowing compassion to rise and then acting on those feelings honors God. I am to “withhold no good thing” from the people in front of me, just as God does not withhold good things from me (Psalm 84:11).  

Make It Personal: Rather than be for or against any particular thing, I pray that we “revive” our concern for one another. That we care for people we know and for others we have never met. That we love our neighbors as ourselves, no matter their race, religion, political party, or opinions. That we work hard at renewing our compassion, and fight against becoming complacent and weary of doing good. 

Pray: Father, You are loving. You are just, and You sometimes seem hard. But even Your discipline is for my good, because You care about me. Your kindness does lead me to repentance. And Your loving-kindness is better than life. In fact, life without love and kindness is cold and hard. Help me to use kindness to draw others to You and the love that You have for them. Help me to give; time, money, and compassion. Amen. 

Read: Isaiah 54:10; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Psalm 84:11 

Weekly Memory Verse: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, ESV