by Josephine Lim
Many times we regretted our actions are likely due to this problem – not loving enough. Regardless whether people would love or appreciate us with the same measure, still choose to love and bless others; be it giving, sharing, caring, encouraging, inspiring and even offering to pray for someone.
Every person is precious to God and true enough every person is precious to someone, so let us treat others honourably regardless who they are and where they come from. Let’s start with our family, friends, colleagues, etc. If we are faithful with small, God can entrust us with more (Matthew 25:21). We shall surely be a blessing to our company, church, community, nation and the world.
Let us not try to draw people to ourselves instead point them to a greater cause/Christ because He’s the real of source of all perfect love and ultimate wisdom. Drawing people to self will only drain us or make us proud but pointing them to greater cause will bring them comfort, love, joy, peace, strength and hope.
Looking beyond ourselves will enable us to forgive, give cheerfully, love and encourage others even though the circumstances look bleak, hopeless or impossible. By being selfless and sensible, will enable us to make the right decision and do the right thing without regret even though we might face opposition or rejection. Reconciliation is another example, even though it means confessing our wrong(s) to one another which requires courage and humility.
If we allow self to be the centre of our universe, we’ll lose the perspective of the whole purpose of living thus leading to discouragement and possible depression. If in everything we do is for the good of others even though the act may seem trivial at that time, it is the beginning of something remarkable.
It’s true we can’t please everyone but we can choose to be a blessing to someone or a few people that our hearts compel to reach. An email, a phone call, text message, letter or a card, any form of gifts, lending a helping hand, or listening ears, offering a shoulder to cry on or a catch up will mean so much to someone.
I did a movie marathon recently, tried to catch up with all the good movies before more films are released. Who would have thought that by having tea followed by constant words of inspiration to the captain of the rugby team of South Africa and occasional surprise visit during practise resulted in the team winning the match that was considered doom a year earlier. Mr. Nelson Mandela did just that in the midst of busy schedule and against his closest aide’s advise, remained a fervent supporter of the sport, he was there to witness the historical moment of unification of his entire nation that had been so severely divided. The win not only brought celebration and rejoicing but reinforced his nation’s trust towards his impeccable leadership, a visionary leader. What a glorious ending to the film, Invictus! A leader who chose to forgive his oppressors (who imprisoned him for almost 30 years), oppositions, and critics for the sake of national unity, indeed a selfless and humbling act with a greater cause in mind.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (also read till v 17)
8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Always expect good things to happen in life. Our mind has the tendency towards negativity but choose to think and believe differently. This reminds me of one of my Directors. Whenever his phone rang, he would smile and said, “Is it good news or money?” then reached for the phone. This is something all of us can learn instead of looking at life as a problem or a struggle, look at it as an opportunity to be a blessing and be part of the good news knowing that God has great plans for our lives and we’re up for a wonderful future (Jeremiah 29:11). Whoever that love life and see good days will keep his tongue from negativity (1 Peter 3:10).
I hope this article will help us develop the right mind set to live life selflessly and purposefully so that in the days to come we will not regret but all the more to rejoice.
