JULY 23

1 Corinthians 13:8a

CHARITY NEVER FAILETH

John and Dad were in McDonald’s having breakfast. John commented, “I don’t think I will help Peter anymore. He never even says ‘ Thank you’.” “How do you help Peter?” asked Dad.

“Oh, like sharing my food with him during recess, or telling what homework we have to do when he is sick,” said John unhappily.

Dad became to feel concerned for his son and gently asked, “Why did you help him in the first place?” John answered, “Because I wanted to be nice to him. I am doing the right thing, right?”

“Aha, you’re right - be nice to him. And if you want to be nice, don’t you think you should continue to be even if Peter never says ‘ Thank you’?” asked Dad.

“So you think I am doing the right thing, and should continue?” asked John, this time happier.

“ That’s right.” Dad replied. “By doing good to other people, God is pleased. You do good to please God and not for thanks. You could say to yourself whenever you help Peter, “I’m helping Peter because I’m a Christian”. Then you won’t get tired to helping”, added Dad.

A Christian keeps on doing something good even though love does not come back. It is hard, isn’t it? But God will help us. This is God’s kind of love – this is part of the meaning of “Charity never faileth”.

Thought: Who gives us the kind of love that never fails?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, there are people who never said thank you even though Jesus died for them. I thank You for Jesus who died and saved me from my sins. Your love never fails. Help me to be willing to help others even though love does not come back. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.