February 24
Kindness
in the Checkout Line
“So in everything, do to others what you would want them to do to you. This is what is written in the Law and in the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12, NIrV
Fearne scanned items at the checkout counter of the busy supermarket. She had worked there for two years, and though she didn’t love her job, it paid the bills. The constant beeping of the scanner and the hurried pace of customers often left her feeling drained by the end of her shift.
That day started like any other, but by lunchtime, Fearne was already on edge. An impatient customer had berated her for moving “too slow,” a child had spilled juice near her station, and her manager had scolded her for something minor. Fearne tried to keep her composure, but inside, she was frustrated and hurt.
When the clock hit 5:30 p.m., she was counting down the minutes until the end of her shift. As she finished scanning items for a young mother with two kids, Fearne noticed the woman fumbling through her purse.
“I’m so sorry,” the woman said, her face flushed with embarrassment. “I left my wallet at home.”
Fearne sighed. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen this happen, and usually, the customer just left their items behind. But something about the woman’s tired eyes and the children tugging at her sleeves softened Fearne’s heart.
In that moment, Matthew 7:12 came to her mind: “Do to others what you would want them to do to you.” It was a verse she’d heard countless times growing up in church, but here, it felt personal.
Fearne hesitated, but then she took a deep breath. “It’s okay,” she said, reaching for her own wallet. “I’ll cover it.”
The woman looked at Fearne in shock. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I know,” Fearne replied with a small smile, “but I want to.”
As the woman and her children left with their groceries, Fearne felt a strange sense of peace. The frustrations of her day seemed smaller, and she realized that showing kindness—even in small ways—wasn’t just for the other person. It also changed her heart.
Later that evening, as Fearne sat in her tiny apartment, she thought back to the woman’s gratitude and said a quiet prayer. “Lord, thank You for teaching me to see others the way You do. Help me to keep showing kindness, even when it’s hard.”
Prayer:
Thank You for the reminder that kindness can make a difference, even in the smallest moments.
Like Fearne, I often get caught up in my own frustrations and forget to see others through Your eyes.
Help me to treat people the way I want to be treated, not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.
Teach me to listen to Your Word and live it out in my daily life.
Give me the courage to show love and grace, even when I’m tired or frustrated.
Thank You for Your love, which inspires me to love others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
