When I was riding a jeepney (kind of a jeep bus) from school, someone poked my knee. When I looked back, I realized that it was a boy beggar around twelve years old. He was asking for food, but I had nothing, so I said, “None.” People near him began moving away from him because he was bruised, dirty, and stinky. Staring at him made me feel guilty and ashamed of myself. How can I just ignore someone who is asking for help? Then, I remembered that I had a bottle of water inside my bag. I got the bottle, waited for him to look back at me and handed it to him. He immediately took it and drank it until nothing was left.

Staring at him drinking the water caused me to think of two things. First, the boy was like Jesus. Jesus was bruised and dirty when he was nailed on the cross.  “I am thirsty,” He said (John 19:28). Jesus is thirsty for our attention, but we are so busy doing many things: work, school stuff, household chores, etc. Jesus is here to remind us that we have to pause for a while and to lean on Him. Everything is under His control, just as we are under His name. He will be with us each step of the way as we offer all things up for His glory.

Second, the boy reminded me that we need to be an instrument of God’s love. Deuteronomy 15:7 says, “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them.” Let us help our brothers and sisters—especially those who are in need. Each little thing we offer will really make their day. Remember that what we do to God’s people will return to us a hundredfold (Mark 10:29-30).

Thus, always make yourself available to God and find joy in being an instrument of His love.  —Joni, Philippines