“Don’t just listen to God’s Word. Do what it says!” ~ James 1:22
Rain pelted the
window, echoing the storm brewing inside her. Cristina stared at the envelope
on the table, untouched for several days. It felt heavier than normal as if it
carried the weight of her future. Since the divorce, mail had become a source
of dread - another bill, another reminder of how thin her life had been
stretched.
With a surge of
determination, she tore open the envelope. Her heart hammered as she braced
herself for another financial body slam.
Confused, Cristina read the letter once, then
again. Tony Hillman explained that he’d recently sold the six-unit apartment
complex where she once lived, turning a sizeable profit.
“I believe that keeping all the money from
the sale would be predatory and selfish,” he wrote, “especially when rising
property values have made homeownership unreachable for so many young people.”
“So I’m returning a prorated portion of the rent you, and
other former tenants, paid based on how much the property had increased in
value since I bought it,” he
concluded. "It was a great six-plex and I'm glad that I was able to
share it with all of you."
Cristina leaned back in her chair, momentarily speechless
at what she’d just read. She reread the letter several more times, trying to
reconcile such generosity, wondering how such a warmhearted soul had survived
this long in such a world that often rewards the opposite. Finally, she laughed
softly: “You're not only kind-hearted,
Tony, you're tough enough to stay that way.”
She considered it
further, her thoughts lingering on the meaning behind the gesture. “There
are people who talk about their values and there are others who actually
live them.” So, she openly shared her story (Tony’s name is fictional), hoping
to inspire others to live boldly their Christian values. “Do it off the
clock,” she added. “Do it when no one’s watching!”
The kindness didn’t stop there. Cristina kept $500 for much-needed
repairs on her car. The rest, she gave away to help others. “I
want Tony’s gift to reach as far as possible,” she explained. And I'm putting some cash
directly out on the street to people who need it. Let this inspire you to give
whatever you can," she
concluded.
Mark Twain said it
best: “You’re never wrong for doing the right thing.” It won’t always
be clear, and it will almost never be convenient. But Scripture assures us that
when we choose obedience over comfort and do what’s right simply because it’s
right, God takes notice. Honor Him and He will honor you. No reward compares to
that.
Lord God, help me remember that when You
call me, You also equip me. Forgive me when I’ve made excuses or questioned
You. I marvel at Your work through me, and will continue seeking the right path
according to Your Word. Amen
