“Love looks like sacrificial kindness and patience towards others." ~ Colossians 3:12-14
Christian (16) and Javier (9) wandered
down a country road that bordered a strawberry field. They noticed a sweaty man
toiling in the field, his wide-brimmed hat, long cotton sleeves, and
dirt-infused jeans protecting him from the boiling sun.
His rubber boots had trampled many miles, some worn by
countless workers before him. Fortunately, a newer pair of walking shoes sat
beside a small knapsack under a shade tree nearby.
He averted the boys’ stare. Harsh Mexican street life back
home had taught the dark-skinned man to remain as isolated as possible. Even a
stray glance could mean trouble.
Javier looked at his older brother and said, “Let’s hide his
good shoes so when he comes from the field, he won’t be able to find them. His
expression will be awesome!” he sneered.
“For a prank to be funny it needs to come as part of a
culture where pranks are an accepted way to show acceptance and love. The key
is to make sure it’s hilarious instead of harmful. It must show that the person
is "one of us," rather than the opposite.”
“He looks poor,” Christian
continued. “See his clothes? Let’s do this instead: Let’s hide some money in
each shoe. Then we’ll hide in these bushes and watch for his reaction.”
Javier agreed and they placed some bills and loose change in
each shoe. It wasn’t long before the worker came off the field, ragged and
exhausted. He pulled on a shoe and immediately felt the cash under his foot. He
emptied the shoe, staring at its content in disbelief.
Confused, he slid his foot into the
other shoe and felt more money. Overwhelmed, he dropped to his knees and
offered a short prayer of gratitude that the boys could easily hear from their
hiding place. He spoke of his sick wife and two small hungry sons, praising God
for this unforeseen bounty from unknown hands.
Soon the boys walked home, inspired by their generosity; an
emotional warmth that would glow from within for some time.
Love and empathy are
foundational elements of a functional society. And there is no person in
history that set a better example than Jesus Christ. He didn’t form an army,
build a headquarters, or even write a book. One of the most powerful ways of
turning people’s loyalty to God is through the intensive fellowship of
affection for others.
