Fragile loads

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.     — Ephesians 4:32

As Dolores was driving along a country road, she noticed that a car was following her rather closely. She could almost feel the irritation of the driver as she drove cautiously and slowly navigated several turns.

Of course, the driver of the other car had no way to know that Dolores was transporting 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, two crockpots full of gravy, and many other food items for a church supper — enough to feed 200 people! Sensing the other driver’s frustration, Dolores thought, If he just realized the fragile load I’m carrying, he would understand why I’m driving like I am.

Just as quickly, another thought occurred to her: How often am I impatient with people when I have no idea of the fragile load they might be carrying?

How easily do we pass judgment on someone, assuming that we know all the facts about a situation? God’s Word sends us in a more charitable direction, instructing us to treat each other with kindness, humility, and patience (Col. 3:12). How much more loving we are when we bear with and forgive each other (v.13).

Let’s treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31), remembering that we don’t always know the burden they may be carrying. — Cindy Hess Kasper

Kindness is a loving guide

That shows us how to live,

A treasure which, the more we spend,

The more we have to give.   — Anon.

READ: Colossians 3:12-17

If you are tempted to lose patience with another, stop and think how patient God has been with you.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 25-27