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Bible Verse: Proverbs 14:20-21 "The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends. It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but the rich have many friends."
Insight: The first verse seems shocking and against anything, we should actually be doing—The poor are shunned and the rich have many friends? The first verse acts as a guideline of how we shouldn't act while the second verse gives us wisdom. When we think of the rich and the poor, we think of their monetary wealth. This Bible verse does not shun those who don't have as much money as others, rather it measures wealth in acts of love for others. This means we become rich with the love and kindness we show others. It contradicts our selfish tendencies and our flesh that so often focuses inwardly. Our actions are a vital part of our walk with Christ. We don't show others kindness, respect, and love merely by what we say but by what we do. We are rich in our acts of love towards others when wash the feet of those around us. It is so hard to truly act in this type of love because it means we have to completely put aside our selfish nature and take on selfless love. Just like forgiveness cannot only be spoken, our love for others is meant to be shown. Let us be prayerful every single day with the actions that we take and the way we show up for others.
Work application: Acting in respect and kindness goes a long way in the workplace. We get to be stewards of God's goodness—isn't that such an honor!? When we act in a way that is demeaning towards someone else, we go against the very nature of who God is. Even during our workdays, we have the opportunity to show people who God is through our actions. Sarah Y. Tse, co-author of From Illusion to Reality speaks on the well-known initials WWJD (what would Jesus do). She explains that she not only allows this concept to guide her day-to-day choices but also the motives behind her actions. We can ask ourselves simply, what would Jesus do, when a coworker tries to demean us. What would Jesus do, when we come across someone who has no work ethic. What would Jesus do, when we are proud of our promotion but give no glory to God. Ask yourself in all circumstances, what would Jesus do? Sarah acknowledges that even the reason we act in a certain way can come from a place of selfish intentions. Are we being self-serving or self-sacrificing? Simple actions that uplift our coworkers, boss, and or employees, make all the difference in their lives because we are being stewards of God's love.
Grateful: I am grateful that God pushes me to show my love for others in not just my words but in my deeds. I am grateful that we have a God who is intentional and loving.
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Contributor: Jessica Carrera holds a B.A. in English with a concentration in writing and a minor in Biblical Studies from Biola University. She aspires to touch the lives of others through her words.