Being Warm

Matthew 24:12 

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.

Some of us are starting to grab a jacket before we head outside in the morning. Not all of us. I’m still in short-sleeve shirts. It’ll be a while before I need a jacket. But for some, October marks a change in the weather. People are starting to use the word COLD for something besides describing how they like their lemonade.

One thing I’m fairly sure of is that when I get to Heaven, I won’t need a parka. Heaven will be perfect. No need to wipe sweat off your forehead. No need to wrap up in a blanket. No one will be too hot or too cold. People will be as warm as the love in their hugs.

When I read about how Jesus treated people, the warmth comes through very well. He healed people with a genuine, full-hearted love. He had a warmth that penetrated the coldest of hearts around him. People saw his warmth and either hated him or loved him for it.

While we’re going through a change in seasons, let every cold day remind us to be warm like Jesus. We can be generous, thoughtful, and kind to others. We can be ready to forgive when we start our day. We won’t wait until others have offended us. Was it Vince Lombardi who said, “The best defense is a good offense”? We’ll let love be our offensive strategy and our automatic response.

Do you want generosity and mercy to be your legacy?