He squealed with delight, “Papa thank you! These are perfect, thank you!” Who would have guessed a pair of super hero pajamas would generate such appreciation and delight? It warmed my heart.
Isn’t it a special treat to bring joy into the lives of others we love? Sometimes it is so simple, like knowing my grandson was into super heroes. At other times, knowing how to bring happiness to someone’s life is a little more complicated. It’s really helpful when they simply let you know what gives them pleasure.
As satisfying as it was to see my grandson’s pleasure at my choice of a birthday gift, I know pleasing God as an act of love is even more rewarding. God states very clearly in the passage above what gives him pleasure. He delights in seeing the people, who love him, mirror his character through kindness, justice, and righteousness to others. It brings God pleasure to see us live a life that reflects his Spirit to our world, which desperately needs to experience the aroma of God's love and justice in their lives.
When we strive to act as God would, we fulfill the exhortation, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Then our lives point other people to God and they find the true source for all their deep longings. The bonus is we have that special treat of seeing people transformed as they come to know God’s loving kindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth through us. It's truly just what they wanted in the first place.
Father in Heaven, I long to know you deeply and that you are delighted in me because I know you and reflect your kindness, justice and righteousness to the world around me. I desire that more and more people would find their deep longings met in you! Amen.
Go Deeper ― Reflect on the past week for a few minutes. Would you say someone observing your life would conclude you are a Christ follower by your kindness, fairness, and honesty?
Further reading: ― Acts of justice, kindness and fairness are love in action. Find out how To Act Justly.
Photo Credit: Debby Hudson