Priceless in their value

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).

"Let the weakest, let the humblest remember, that in his daily course he can, if he will, shed around him almost a heaven. Kindly words, sympathizing attentions, watchfulness against wounding men's sensitiveness--these cost very little, but they are priceless in their value. Are they not almost the staple of our daily happiness? From hour to hour, from moment to moment, we are supported, blest, by small kindnesses" (F.W. Robertson).

The word "sacrifices" is interesting in this context, for it is indeed a sacrifice, an offering, a price, that we surrender. It is part of our time or our money or our very selves that we give to another, not for what we can get in return, but out of God's love and our own. We will never know what comfort we bring to another just by listening. Many a broken heart and weary mind wants to share his or her sorrows, and only the one who knows how to love as Christ loves can carry that burden for another.

To do good to another means to promote the welfare and happiness of that person, and to help prevent misfortune or adversity in that person’s life. We honor God by honoring His commandment to love others as we love ourselves. This is the "sacrifice" with which He is so well pleased. He does not delight in self-torture of either body or mind. He does delight in innocent pleasures that restore the body and mind and spirit, and that help us to help others because our own lives are in harmony.

The greatest sacrifice was the Lamb of God who died that we might be at one with all. He has canceled out our debts, although we may have to live with the effects; all we need to do is to surrender our whole selves to Him who wills to use us where we are most needed. It may be only a cup of cold water in His name, but it is a great kindness to the one who so desperately needs it. As I read the Gospels, I’m always impressed that Jesus helped the individual as He came across his/her need. We aren’t asked to change the world, but we are asked to help the one who is before us, at this moment.