Can People Tell That You Know Jesus?

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. - Colossians 3:12

I’m working from a coffee shop today. It’s one of my favorite things to do, not only because of how productive I can be but also because of all the people-watching that comes with it.

After I placed my order for an iced coffee and an everything bagel, I took a seat at a table by the front window. As I pulled out my computer and started writing out my to-do list for the day, I noticed one of the coffee shop’s regulars, an elderly lady named Janet, made her way to the front door to leave. As she got closer to the exit, she pulled up the hood on her coat, getting ready to face the pouring rain outside. But before she could walk out the door, a man with an umbrella walked up behind her and asked if he could walk her to her car.

She protested a little at first, clearly not wanting to inconvenience him. But he insisted, so she thanked him and they walked outside under the umbrella together. I watched the man walk her to her car, making sure the umbrella was fully covering her, even if that meant he was getting a little wet. He helped her into her car and then walked back inside the coffee shop to return to his cup of hot coffee.

As I watched this whole scene unfold, the very first thought that came into my head was, “I bet that man knows Jesus.”

Obviously I don’t know that for sure, but I do know with full confidence that what that man did for Janet was the same thing Jesus would have done.

Then I started thinking, “I wonder if people think that about me when they see how I treat people.”

It was a challenging thought…a reminder that I needed. Whether we realize it or not, we’re being watched by the world around us. We’re being observed. We’re being noticed. And when people see us show kindness, love, and care for others, they have a chance to see the love of Jesus. And who knows what kind of seed that could plant in the lives of those who don’t yet have a relationship with the Lord?

So as you go about your day, I hope that you’ll remember the man from the coffee shop. I hope that his small act of kindness challenges you and motivates you to follow his example. How could you care for someone today? How could you go out of your way to be kind? How could you show someone the love of Jesus?

I pray the Holy Spirit gives you answers to these questions and opportunities to live those answers out.