Good morning. You may have noticed that prices having been rising. Fuel, groceries, clothing, services, you name it… it costs more than ever before. Well, I would like to have us consider the greatest bargain value available. It is a deal that is there for all of us, and it is available to most of us throughout each day.
What does it cost you to smile? The tiniest bit of energy for the muscles in your face to shape it? They say that a frown requires several times more energy. To offer a smile to the world around you, or to the person with whom you are presently interacting, has virtually no cost to us, but consider the benefits.
1. Sharing a smile is to share joy, which is the command of God. Through obedience to His commands you will be blessed. Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will command it, rejoice! 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is even more brief the same command: Rejoice always…
2. To share a bit of joy is an encouragement to those around you. Perhaps the person at the cash register has been having a difficult day. It is amazing how quickly they will brighten up when someone greets them with a smile, a kind word, and a bit of warmth. And guess what, when they react to you with a smile of their own, you feel warmed and encouraged. Your day is brightened, and your load is a bit lighter.
3. Living in a way that reveals joy is also a way of life that reveals Christ. Jesus said, These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy will be complete. John 15:11 In a world that is desperate for joy, a simple smile can be a powerful statement of our joy in the Lord and therefore of our faith.
4. Your smile may prove to be highly contagious! Perhaps the bit of joy you share will encourage others to smile, to share a warmer greeting, to lift the spirits of people you may never meet.
5. This final thought from scripture reminds us why feeling and sharing joy should be natural for Christian people. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. 1 Peter 1:8
May God bless you today with many opportunities to smile!
Vern