A CUP OF COLD WATER

A Cup of Cold Water

One act of kindness may not change the world, but it can change someone's world.

Small acts of kindness are sometimes powerful enough to make major headlines. In fact, you've probably read about or watched a few of these stories unfold in the past month. Perhaps someone will place a cup of coffee or a meal on reserve for a homeless person, or even pay off a stranger's debt.

The result is a feel-good story for all. The benefactors are happy to have done a good deed and the recipients are pleased to have been given a small but meaningful helping hand.

God sees even the smallest good deed.

It is also true that most people look for the great deeds that are done, to laud and applaud. We give medals to those who risk life and limb to help others,

and that is a good thing. The vast majority of mankind would not be classified as heroes by the measures the world uses. But God sees the little people of this world and puts value on the deeds for which we have no medals. Few people would think that giving someone something small like a glass of water could be noticed by our Creator. They would be wrong, because Jesus clearly told us that giving a cup of cold water to the little ones would surely bring a reward. How much we love God can be measured by how well we treat others. Jesus' example of giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty child is a good model of unselfish service. A child usually can't or won't return a favour. God notices every good deed we do or don't do as if He the one receiving it.

He explained the value of the widow’s mite to His followers . No doubt the widow was saddened that she did not have more to give. The widow gave all she had to live on. Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving.

God values things differently than we humans do.

God looks at the heart of the person, not necessarily the success of his career or business. That does not mean God does not love and favour a person who, through hard work and training, is very successful. He gladly blesses that person also, if he has a heart that is pleasing to God. Having God look upon us with favour depends more on what is in our heart than what is in our hand. The next time you have an opportunity to do a good deed, don’t regard the magnitude of the deed or be concerned about whether or not you will be seen. You will be seen by the One who really matters.