Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Pet. 4:10).

A new Wal-Mart opened in a rural community and quickly became the social center of town, drawing everyone who wanted to meet anyone. One of those drawn often was a dear, older woman named Florence, who practically made the store her second home, while her husband, Bill, made his second home his fishing lake.

When the time came that Florence could no longer drive, Bill sacrificed his time at the lake and took his wife to the store. Florence would walk the aisles, not so much to shop as to visit with friends.

Bill would follow her with a fold-up lawn chair under his arm. Whenever Florence’s conversation lengthened in the aisle – which was often – Bill would unfold the lawn chair and contentedly take a seat until Florence moved on for the next conversation.

Everyone smiled as they passed the couple, knowing the man who loved the outdoors loved his wife more. He sacrificed his pleasures to serve her needs.

So, from his lawn chair in the middle of the superstore, Bill taught our community about the sacrificial love of Jesus, showing the grace we all long to receive – and did through the Christ who gave up his heaven to provide ours.

Prayer:
Jesus, just as you served me by giving your life for my salvation, may I also serve others sacrificially. Shine through me by how I live for others.