The Heart Behind the Deed

     While driving to work, my husband and I saw trash in the middle of the street. We pulled over to clean up what looked like a simple mess, but as we got closer, we realized it was a lot worse—food, papers, and liquid all mixed together. At first, I thought it wasn’t our problem, but we decided to clean it up anyway. It was disgusting, smelly, and gross—I hated every second of it.
  A few days later, while talking to a friend, I realized something important. I had done the act of service, but I complained about it the whole time. I wasn’t happy about helping out our neighbor, and I made sure my husband knew it. But then I thought about Jesus—he would have done the same thing without complaint, with kindness and a smile, simply because it was the right thing to do. Jesus is LOVE! The trash was cleaned up, and that was the best outcome for the neighborhood. 

  The trash was just an immediate need that had to be addressed, especially in an HOA where cleanliness is a priority. But the real issue lies in how we approach these tasks. Yes, I picked up the trash, but my attitude—complaining and moaning about it—was far from what it could have been. I missed the opportunity to do this act with a heart of love, gratitude, and kindness, both for my neighbor and the community.
  It’s not just about the act itself; it’s about why we do things. In this case, my “why” was inconvenience and duty, not love or kindness. When I do good deeds out of obligation or annoyance, rather than out of a pure heart, I miss the opportunity to bless others and reflect the love Jesus has for all of us. In that moment, I didn’t just rob myself of a blessing, I missed the chance to embody the very love and grace I’ve been given.
  It’s such a powerful reminder that it’s not just about what we do but the attitude behind it. That’s what truly makes our actions meaningful and aligned with the way God calls us to live. Mark 12:31 Tells us to love our neighbor ( neighbor is anyone, not just the person next door or across the street) as we love ourselves. The point is when we do things for others, we do them because that is how we show love. Love is an action and a choice. The more we love each other, the nicer this earth will be.  It is hard to love each other. I, too, struggle with this, but we shouldn’t. We should want to go out of our way to help one another and do acts of kindness out of love and not obligation. 1 Corinthians 16:14 “ Do everything in love”

  It’s amazing how the “WHY behind the WHAT” can be such a game-changer, isn’t it? I’ve heard Pastor Kelly K talk about it too, and it clicks once you experience it for yourself. When we focus on the heart behind our actions, it shifts everything—our attitude, the impact we have, and the way God works in and through us.


Pastors I follow online. Kelly K is live M-F 9 am central time ( replay at night). Ryan is on 7 pm Central time

Pastor Kelly K -https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kelly%20kopp
Ryan Edberg- https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ryan%20edberg


God Bless-
Jane
    
   

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