Morning Devotional 091725 Smile and the World Smiles With You

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

September 17, 2025

1 Peter 4:8-11

8 Above all, show sincere love to each other, because love brings about the forgiveness of many sins. 9 Open your homes to each other without complaining. 10 And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. 11 Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always. Amen.

Good Morning! Use the gifts God provides!

Blessed is the rain this morning! We are to shower one another with love. Like the life-giving rain that is quenching the thirst of our yards and fields, the love we are called to share gives life to all we meet on our faith journey. 

As humans, we long for love and a place of belonging. When we share a smile with someone, we are acknowledging their presence. The simple act of a smile speaks volumes. Think of when we pass someone whose head is down! How do you feel? 

Now, remember a time when someone smiled and looked at you. How does that feel?

No matter what is going on in our lives and the lives of others, a smile can be a ray of sunshine lighting the darkness in our hearts. Inviting others to join us in a blessing of love is the first step to finding peace and harmony in ourselves and in the world. 

Who among us would refuse to welcome a friend or family member into our space? What if we extended that same love to others? It’s easy to think, “Why would I invite ‘that person’ to join me?” God calls us to be better than that. Maybe we’re not comfortable doing this in our homes, but sharing a bench in a park or a table in a coffee shop might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship! 

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! We love you, Lord. Help us open our hearts and love others. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Let’s not let personal adversities keep us from loving others.

Smile and the world smiles with you! Pastor Liz