| Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” |
Many of you will remember the Care Bears that were popular in the 1980’s, and then again in the 2000’s. My daughter Karen was totally in love with those colorful animals – in fact, her nickname was KareBear. She had Care Bear toys, clothes, posters, stuffed animals and even sheets for her bed. I didn’t mind indulging her, since the qualities these cuddly bears exhibited were friendship, being cheerful, loving others and having a tender heart. (Well, there was also Grumpy Bear, but we are all allowed to be grumpy once in a while.)
What was obvious by looking at the bears was that they wore their attitudes on their tummies for all the world to see. There was no hiding or pretending to be something they were not. And each one was doing their part to make my child feel happy and loved.
Whether we want to or not, what we ‘wear’ in our hearts is shared with others. What are you showing the world each day? Are you showing love, friendship, or cheer, and then spreading it to the world? Is your presence comforting to others? Or can everyone tell you are a grumpy bear as soon as you enter the room?
Prayer: Dear God, I want Your love, kindness, and tenderness to radiate from me wherever I go, when I talk to someone on the phone, or even when I am stuck in traffic. Help me to exhibit Your tender heart to others, and for them to see your reflection in everything I do. Amen.
– Betty Gossell
