March 6
Justin’s
Unexpected Lesson
“A person who gives freely will gain even more. And a person who gives water to others will himself be given water.”
Proverbs 11:25, NIrV
Justin lived a fast-paced life, juggling his career in tech and a demanding social calendar. Yet, there was one constant in his routine: keeping an eye on his elderly neighbor, Mrs. Whitaker. She was in her 80s and lived alone. Justin often helped her out, whether shoveling her driveway in winter, picking up groceries, or fixing small things around her house.
At first, Justin saw his efforts as nothing more than obligations. "Someone has to help her," he told himself. But deep down, he often wished someone else would step up. Some days, he’d grumble to himself as he lugged her trash cans to the curb or waited in a long grocery line to buy her favorite tea.
One Saturday morning, Justin found Mrs. Whitaker on her porch struggling to lift a flower pot. “Mrs. W., you shouldn’t be doing that!” he said, rushing over. She smiled warmly and said, “Thank you, Justin. You’re always such a blessing.”
Her words lingered as he carried the pot inside. A blessing? He hadn’t thought of himself that way. Later that day, while scrolling through social media, he stumbled across a Bible verse shared by a friend: “A person who gives freely will gain even more. And a person who gives water to others will himself be given water.”
Justin wasn’t particularly religious, but something about the verse struck him. Was there more to helping Mrs. Whitaker than just ticking off a box? He realized he had been focused on his inconvenience rather than on the joy his actions brought to someone else.
That week, Justin started spending more time with Mrs. Whitaker—not just doing tasks, but sitting with her and listening to her stories. She told him about her late husband, her childhood, and even her favorite hymns from church. Justin noticed something shift within himself. The more he gave, the lighter he felt.
One afternoon, Mrs. Whitaker handed him a small tin of homemade cookies. “You’re like family to me, Justin,” she said with tears in her eyes. For the first time, he saw his acts of kindness not as burdens, but as opportunities to reflect love and compassion.
Prayer:
Thank You for showing us that true joy comes from giving freely.
Help us to see opportunities to serve others not as burdens but as blessings.
Teach us to give with a cheerful heart, knowing that in serving others, we are also serving You.
Lord, we ask for eyes to see those in need and the strength to act in love, even when it’s inconvenient.
Thank You for the way You work through even the smallest gestures to bring about transformation in our lives and the lives of others.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
