Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Everyday Mission Work" for Thursday, 29 May 2014 - Read John 15:12-17

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "Everyday Mission Work" for Thursday, 29 May 2014 - Read John 15:12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17 “I command these things to you, that you may love one another.
Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”(John 15:12 (NRSV))
Over the past year, my mother’s health challenges required an inordinate amount of time in hospitals and doctors’ offices. Even though her energy was very low, her illness gave her the opportunity to reach out to those who needed compassion. A grumpy health technician and several individuals who live alone are just a few who were uplifted by her friendliness during uncomfortable medical treatments and by the daily phone calls she made from her bed. Mom did what Jesus would do: she reached out to others when she herself was experiencing a major challenge. During this same time, my dad stepped up and changed his usual routine in order to take superb care of my mother. By making sure she rested, fielding her phone calls, and assuming all household chores, he not only helped her face the health crisis but also conserved some of her energy so she could still tend to others. In the midst of this challenge, they both adjusted their daily routine to continue to serve others, both in and out of the home. Small, quiet, everyday missions like these are likely common, but they often go unnoticed. We can share Jesus’ compassion by serving others in the midst of difficult times.
The Author: Brenda Motter (Florida, USA)
Thought for the Day: Reaching out to others with the love of Christ refocuses our challenges.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to remember to show your love to others, especially when we ourselves are suffering. Amen.

Prayer focus: Those facing health crises
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