The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Waitress" for Saturday, 30 April 2016 with Scripture: Romans 12:9-14

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Waitress" for Saturday, 30 April 2016 with Scripture: Romans 12:9 Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them!
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Be ye . . . merciful, as your Father also is merciful.[Luke 6:36 (KJV)]
After a long day of driving through the desert, my husband and I spied a little cafe and were anxious to eat and get back on the road. Our young waitress was quite frazzled and distracted. We were disappointed when she brought our dinner, and it was different from what we had ordered. I was still complaining to my husband when she brought our bill. With a quiet sigh, she said, “I’m sorry for the mix-up. I guess I’m just not in the swing of things yet. This is my first day back from maternity leave.” Instantly, my attitude changed. This new mother had left her baby with someone else so she could wait on us — customers with bad attitudes. Instead of complaining to her boss as I had planned, I asked about her newborn and gave her a hug. We left a large tip, and I prayed for her as I walked back to the car.
Today’s verse says, “Be merciful.” It does not say to be merciful only if you know the story or if the person “deserves” it. I certainly learned a lesson from my experience in the cafe in treating people the way Christ would and putting others’ needs before my own. The next time I am having difficulty with someone, I am going to stop, take a long look at the situation, and ask myself, “What does this person need?” It may be as simple as a word of encouragement or a prayer.
The Author: Myla Rae Brueske (Arizona, USA)
Thought for the Day: How can I show Christlike mercy today?
Prayer: Dearest Father, help us to be kind to everyone we meet and to show mercy to those we find difficult. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: New parents---------------------