Have you shared a smile with someone today?

Imagine what effect just smiling at a stranger can have. It is a lovely gesture which causes a ripple effect that can improve the day of many unknown people. On the other hand, an unfriendly, unnecessary glare can ruin the day of a stranger, and, in turn, ruin the day for unknown others.

The truth is that no matter what seemingly small thing we do whether positive or negative, we are creating ripples into the lives of others every day.

“When a stone is dropped into a lake, it quickly disappears from sight—but its impact leaves behind a series of ripples that broaden and reach across the water. In the same way, the impact of one life lived for Christ will leave behind an influence for good that will reach the lives of many others. —Roy Lessin

As Christians, our mission in life should be to show others the love of God that we have experienced through Jesus Christ. As believers, it is not what we do as much as who we are that makes the difference. Every step we take should have an impact as we follow Jesus. As children of God, we are called to be salt and light, to share His love with others. The energy produced by our lives should always be love.

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 1-3

No one is perfect. Because of our own rebellious nature, we sin every day. Our only hope is the grace given by God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. If we can accept that and learn to live like it, we can learn to be less judgmental and to love people more perfectly every day. Our prayer and goal should be to love people like Jesus does.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

What impact does your life have on others? Are you encouraging them toward the Kingdom of God or driving them away? Does your life propel hope in others? Do you rebel against the injustice levied against other people?  Do you stand up for those who are dying, broken, and lost? Or do you judge them, try to change them or ignore them ? Our decisions every day have eternal effects. What kind of ripples are you making?

Dear Lord: Thank You for the ripples of eternal love that were created for us when Your Son Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Help us to be mindful that as Your children we are representing You by our words and our actions. Let us follow Jesus’ example of spreading love and hope to a dying world, and never let us take for granted the grace that is ours in Christ Jesus. May we view and care for others in love and not in judgement. Lord, please take our ripples and magnify them for Your glory, and for the building of Your Kingdom. Amen

Choose right now to make positive ripples in 2019! Please share your thoughts, experiences, and comments.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God give you opportunities in the new year to make huge and lasting loving ripples into the lives of others for His glory.