THEY’LL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS BY OUR LOVE

 

 

When my father was retiring from his job of over 40 years, I recall him coming home several days with gifts. He had at that time more tenure in the company than anyone, and was well respected for his skill and knowledge for the job. As he was growing closer to the day there were retirement parties at work and lunches, and fellow workers and others coming by to wish him well and give him a gift. When we commented one day about the gifts he brought home, he simply responded something to the effect of , “It’s all about how you treat people.” He also then reminded us that we should always be kind to people because you never know who you will need.

 

I have been reminded of this conversation over the past ten days as I recovered from knee surgery. I convalesced in the home of the Nellum family, who attended to my every possible need or want. It is a humbling experience to have to rely on others when you are so accustomed to moving around at will on one’s own power. May father’s words spoke to me  over and over again as I tough what I could have possibly done to warrant such care and attention from someone other than my own mother. And yet by following his advice I have gained such favor. But this is not totally by my own doing.

These people have extended to me an essential Christian courtesy – love. It is so easy as people will talk about what Christianity means or what it is. But putting that concept into action, well let’s just say, many fall short. How do I know that? Because I fall short. we all do at times. Hopefully we have experiences, such as I had last week , to remind us of what Jesus said in John’s gospel,“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

And so in thanks to all those who have extended courtesies to me during my recovery by a telephone call, email, Facebook message, card, plant, prayers, or offering your assistance, I am edified by your care and concern for my well-being. And should there be any doubt or anyone want to or need to know, please know that you can use me a reference and I can gladly affirm your Christian  credentials.

Dale 4/14/13