The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "ANGELS IN DISGUISE" for Wednesday, 8 June 2016 with Scripture Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly friendship continue; 2 but don’t forget to be friendly to outsiders; for in so doing, some people, without knowing it, have entertained angels. 3 Remember those in prison and being mistreated, as if you were in prison with them and undergoing their torture yourselves.
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Frank lives in a tent by the airport. He is 67, homeless, and mostly keeps to himself. People avoid Frank because of his situation and rough image. Those who do, misjudge him; I know I did. As I’ve gotten to know Frank, I’ve learned that he has a kind and generous heart. He cares for a homeless woman and her cat who live nearby. He feeds the birds and squirrels who live around him. Frank just might be an angel in disguise.
It’s easy to leap to conclusions and to misjudge others. We tend to notice the outward things: their clothes, where they live, how they talk. But Jesus told us we can recognize the character of people by their “fruit.”
Fruit takes time to develop and grow. Over time we will get to know others by the fruit that the Holy Spirit grows not only in them but in us as well. The apostle Paul lists that fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, CEB).
When we take the time to get to know the people around us, we allow ourselves to see the real fruit they possess. We may discover angels in disguise all around us.
The Author: Chad McComas (Oregon, USA)
Thought for the Day: Which of the Spirit’s fruit do I need to cultivate?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the people around us who bless us and make life worth living. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS
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