I really like the characters from Winnie the Pooh. For years I have felt that the people I meet could be characterized by one of the beloved animals in those stories. I think Pooh is a good example of a dedicated Christian. How much better it would be if we were a bit more like that. Not that we should be like Pooh, but we should be like Jesus!
Pooh is always helping. When Piglet is scared he helps calm his fears, when Rabbit is working too hard and becomes stressed Pooh helps him see the value of rest. When Eeyore is overcome by depression and loneliness Pooh is always there to cheer him up. When Tiggerr offends others by being too focused on fun and hurts feelings or causes damage Pooh is there to point out his good heart and desire to do what’s right. And when Owl drones on with instruction and philosophy Pooh listens respectfully and appreciates his wisdom.
Jesus looked for the best in everyone; spoke the truth with love, encouraged the broken hearted, corrected the misguided and disobedient and calmed the fears of those who were anxious.
Jesus lived the Scripture. “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart”. Since we are in Christ, we should be thinking the same way about the people we encounter.
Lord I want to look on the heart of people today! I want to be there to help when needed and not to judge.
“If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3 Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, “The people who insulted you also insulted me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you. 8 I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came, 9 so that the Gentiles would praise God for being kind to them…13 I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:1-13 CEV
Letting God live His life through us can be challenging but the rewards are so great! Encouraging, teaching, being patient, living in peace and hope; these are all things that Father wants for us. He’s also given us the opportunity to provide these for others.
A quote from Winnie the Pooh puts it this way: “Love is taking a few steps backward maybe even more… to give way to the happiness of the person you love.”
Look for opportunities to give unconditional love; you’ll be richly rewarded!