No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:15–16 (NLT)
Five months after we moved into the marina, an eleven-month-old puppy belonging to one of our neighbors broke its leg. The neighbor, unemployed at the time, managed to take the dog to a vet. Surgery was necessary.
“I don’t know what to do,” the neighbor said, sprinkling his conversation with expletives. “I don’t have the money.” He was in anguish; his dog was his sole companion, his best friend.
Weeks prior, my husband and I had prayed for God to give us creative ways to help people in need. When the thought of hosting a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the vet bills popped into my head, I knew He’d answered.
Within three days of launching the campaign, donations exceeded the total needed and the puppy had surgery. Kindness paved the way for spiritual talk with our neighbor. “I’m going to give God the credit,” he said.
“Good idea,” I replied. “He’s pursuing you, my friend, and He’s using this situation to show you that He cares about you.”
Kindness transformed our marina community into a true neighborhood and put me and my husband on the radar. We’re certain they’ve pegged us as “religious,” but we’re praying that our good deed for the dog will shine a light and point people to Jesus.
Faith Step: Ask Jesus to show you a need and give you creative ideas so you can shine a light that points to Jesus.
