Suffering, resurrection and Christian love – day 10

The hope that Christ gave to us through his resurrection enables us to care. Each of us has a responsibility to share the new freedom that Jesus has given to us with other people – the freedom of hope.

How does one do it? By giving hope to people who cross your path!

Think for a moment, do you make a difference in people’s lives?

Charles Schulz, the author of the Peanuts comic strip, wrote the following:

Ask yourself the following questions:
–          Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
–          Name the five most recent Miss Americas (or Miss South Africas).
–          Name five Nobel Prize winners.
–          Name all the actors and actresses who won the Oscar in the last ten years.

He said that it would be difficult for most people to answer these questions, because we do not easily recall the accomplishments of the past. Even though these people were, at one stage, the best in their field, we have forgotten their achievements. The applause for these achievers dwindles away and sometimes, they die a lonely death! When the show is over, they are the only ones left admiring their own trophies.

However, Charles Schulz goes on to say that there are a few other questions we will be able to answer more easily:
–          Name a few teachers who had an influence on your life.
–          Name three friends who have helped you through tough times.
–          Name five people who taught you something to remember.
–          Name five friends whose company you enjoy.

Why is it easier for most of us to answer these questions?

Because these are the people who changed our lives or have given us hope!

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones who society says are the most successful. The people you remember are the ones who cared for you!

We must learn to make a difference in people’s lives. We will only succeed if we learn to care and to build relationships. How you make others feel about themselves is more important than always being right.