“God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5 NIV)
When I learned my friend Sally (name changed) had cancer, I wondered what I could do to encourage her. I decided on a tea luncheon. She provided the names of friends, and we set the date.
I created computer-made invitations and suggested guests surprise her with inexpensive gifts. To simplify my cooking, each guest brought part of the menu, leaving only the finger sandwiches and tea for me to prepare.
Six of us gathered to enjoy a delicious lunch and happy chatter around the table. Friends lingered as Sally freely shared her fears about health and family. We listened. We prayed. We cried and comforted her. We couldn’t heal her body, but we soothed her soul. The warmth of tea, the clinking of china cups, our gifts, and our listening ears told her, “We love you and care about you.”
In Romans 5:5, we read that God poured out His love into our hearts. For me, it’s a privilege to show His love to others by pouring them a cup of tea. How do you like to share God’s love with others?
Perhaps you know someone who would enjoy a tea party that says, “I love you.” If you can’t invite friends for a cuppa’ tea in your home, consider taking them out for tea. The memories of the time you share will linger long past the last sip of tea, warming their hearts and yours with God’s love.
Loving Father, thank you for loving me. Show me ways to share Your love with others. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
February: Love @ full strength in Christ
Anchoring Deep in God’s Word Schedule today, 02/20/14: Leviticus 14-15 and Psalm 42-43.
Join hosts Page and Cindy on Facebook where we are discussing today’s reading. Everyone is invited to join by clicking the ‘Join Group’ button. We have 800+ women reading the Bible through in 2014! Join us and invite your friends too! We are using the Ownit35 whole Bible plan. Download the free app or print out the reading schedule to use with your Bible.
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
