How Thoughtful

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets

Matthew 7:12

I enjoyed watching a video clip of a wedding where the groom used the same song in his wedding that his parents had walked down the aisle to in their weeding decades before. It was a very thoughtful tribute by this son to his parents and the camera was fixed on his mom to capture her reaction when the music began to play. No sooner had the song begun did she recognize it and the tears began to flow, as did mine. As I sat there watching the video clip my heart was encouraged by the love and thoughtfulness the groom showed his parents and how his act of kindness would never be forgotten.

Have you given much thought to thoughtfulness and how it might just be the most powerful way any of us can bless and honor others? It’s no wonder then that Jesus summed up the way we should treat people in a single verse found in Matthew 7:12, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” How different our world would be if each of us made it our aim each day to treat everyone we come in contact the way we would ourselves would like to be treated.

Being thoughtful is much easier than you might think. All it takes is a little bit of effort. Look at the calendar first thing in the morning. My wife is very good at this. Try to remember the important dates in the lives of other people. Do simple things like holding a door open for the person behind you when entering a building. Let the car next to you in front of you on the freeway when they are trying to get over instead of riding the bumper of the car in front of you to prevent them. You could allow the person with just a few items to go in front of you at the grocery store. How about paying it forward and buying a cup of coffee for the next person in line at your favorite coffee shop. Here is something that is a little tougher. Be the first to forgive. Do something for others expecting nothing in return. Call a friend to just to let them know you are thinking of them. You might even send a hand written note in the mail to someone. Wish people happy birthday or happy anniversary on their special days on social media or by a text message. Maybe the most thoughtful thing you can to is to simply listen to others when they speak. Look for ways to serve and encourage everyone you cross paths with remembering that they are your divine appointment.


“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works”

Hebrews 10:24


I LOVE YOU!