Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
“Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile. Smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at at all. Do it for peace. Let us radiate the peace of God and so light His light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power. Smile at one another. It is not always easy. Sometimes I find it hard…but then I pray.
God loves the world through you and through me. Are we that love and that compassion? Christ came to be his Father’s compassion. God is loving the world through you and through me and through all those who are His love and compassion in the world…
Ne kind in your actions. Do not think that you are the only one who can do efficient work, work worth showing. This makes you harsh in your judgment of others who may not have the same talents. Do your best and trust that others do their best. And be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) in In the Heart of the World, ed. by Becky Benenate (New York: Fine Communications, 1997) 13-15.
I love Mother Teresa. She understands the many ways in which the Christian life is a paradox because she figured it out as she lived it out.
For example, notice how she proclaims that our strength comes not from bombs and guns but smiles and faithfulness in small things. Brilliant.
Notice the connection to generosity. That means all of us, regardless of our wealth or socioeconomic status, can be generous.
We can shower smiles on people and do small things with faithfulness, compassion, and love. We may not change the whole world but we can impact our those around us.
And I am glad that she said it was hard to smile at people. As we enter a season of hustle and bustle, the next time you feel like honking or yelling, try smiling instead.
We can do this with God’s help.