October 2 – Show kindness and welcome angels

For whoever is not against us is for us.  And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of My name, since you belong to the Messiah—I assure you: He will never lose his reward.  (Mark 9:40-41 NET)

This was Jesus teaching to His disciples, preparing them for a life of ministry. This is an easy promise that any of us can benefit from even today.  Show kindness to someone who serves God, just because they bear the name of Jesus, and you will never lose your reward.  Even the least kindness of a cup of water does not escape God’s notice, and He makes sure to honor those who honor His own children.  

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.”  Showing kindness to others, and especially to those who live for God has a great impact on our lives.  You may actually be welcoming angels to bless your home without even realizing that they are being brought in your door as you welcome the flesh and blood servants of God to be refreshed.  

We see this attitude very distinctly here in Brazil.  People of the church show great honor to the pastors and their families, not in a way to gain favors, but with this knowledge that as they bless a man of God, they bless themselves.  Sometimes we even feel embarrassed at their enthusiasm to honor us, the times we have visited distant cities and the pastors’ wives will work hard all day just to prepare a special spread for us to have a snack before the meeting, and then work hard to cook a full delicious meal with a beautifully decorated table for us to enjoy dinner when we’re done, often close to midnight.  They’ll watch us excitedly, ready to jump up and get us whatever we need with a smile on their faces.  Wherever we sleep over, they prepare spare rooms that are fresh and clean, extra water is set out for us as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste, and usually they provide extra flip flops and pajamas even when they don’t know our size.  But if we reject the blessings that they offer us in an ungracious way, we are robbing them of their opportunity to be blessed as well.  It floors us every time we come, but they are a people who have learned that giving is the key to receiving.

This promise should be seen as an opportunity to bless others and be blessed, and to allow others to be blessed as they bless us.  When someone shows you a kindness because you belong to Jesus, be gracious and accept their offer in the knowledge that you are providing a way for them to be blessed, but don’t take advantage of that kindness or have an entitlement attitude.  But every time you have a chance to give to anyone who serves our Lord, from church member to pastor or member of his family, see that you just may be welcoming more angels to come over you – you will never lose your reward!