Sometime ago, I wrote a book called The Heart-Shaped Life Daily Devotional. My hope with this series of books was to remind each of us that it’s okay to have a soft heart. In fact, it’s more than okay. In God’s view, it’s the only way your heart is open enough to be shaped at all.

In 1st Peter 3:8 (NLT), we read: All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

So what is the author of this scripture trying to say?

Today, we may feel we are hard-pressed to find people who live in sympathy and love; who remember we are all part of the same human family.

God sees the heart though. He knows the sympathy you feel toward your neighbor. He sees the way you demonstrate His love and kindness to those who need help. He sees you and applauds your efforts.

Your sense of compassion is a reminder that your heart is in training. It give you an opportunity to deliver kindness, then waits to see how you will respond. The good news is you get an instant reward. God immediately pays you back for your generous spirit, allowing your soul to delight in what you’ve done.

Look around. Everyone is wrestling with something bigger than they are, something they can’t manage alone. Without your encouragement, they feel invisible and forgotten.

Thank you for being a force for good in the world. Thank you for remembering it’s our privilege to help each other along. As John Bradford said back in 1553, “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

May God bless you every time you offer an encouraging word, a smile, or a helping hand. You make a difference.

You are always someone’s blessing.