AUGUST 25, 2 Thessalonians 3:13

“Jacob told me his dad got a bonus at his job,” reported Alex one day. “What’s a bonus, Mom?” “A bonus is something good that you get in addition to what you have earned–something extra,” explained Mom.

Alex liked that idea. “I wish I could get a bonus,” he said. “Well, here’s an idea,” said Mom. “Every day, think of one or two things you can do for other people. Then do them. Try it for a week and see what happens.” Alex was thoughtful for a moment. “You mean I’ll get bonuses for helping?” he asked. “Who will give them to me? Whoever I help?”

“Not always. In a way, they come from God,” said Mom. “The Bible says, Give, and it will be given to you… pressed down… and running over…. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.’ So the bonuses are actually from God, but they usually come through people. Some may not even come in this life--but the bonuses do come.”

Alex decided to try it. That week he washed his uncle’s car, he was extra helpful in folding clothes, he even tried to help mum cook! “My experiment is going pretty good,” Alex told his mother one day, “but I don’t know that I really got any bonuses yet.”

“Well, think about it,” said Mom. “How do you feel when you’ve done something nice for someone?” As he thought it over, Alex realized he felt happy when he finished a job. “I feel good,” he replied, “and you know what else? When I help people, they smile at me a lot, too.”

Mom nodded. “That sounds like a bonus to me!” she said. “The Bible says Jesus went about doing good, and you’ve been doing that, too. I know He’s pleased with you, and that’s worth a lot.” “I guess so,” agreed Alex, “but once in a while it would be nice to get something I can hold in my hand.”

“True,” said Mom. Opening the freezer door, she added, “Right now you may have the bonus of an ice cream bar for cleaning the table without being told.” Alex grinned happily.

Thought: Have you been “doing good” as Jesus did? Have you been helpful at home?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is such a precious lesson that I have today that I may have neighbors or people around me who would appreciate a little help. Teach me to watch for opportunities to assist others. And as I give of myself to others and be a blessing to them, I will be blessed by You as well. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.