Have you ever received a gift from someone out of no where? We are pretty accustomed to expecting gifts on certain occasions, like birthdays and Christmas. But have you ever received a gift from someone on just a regular day for no reason at all?

This has happened to me a couple times, and it always catches me by surprise. I feel so loved that someone would surprise me with a gift “just because.” It feels so good to be thought about.

One of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received was given to me about 14 years ago. Shawn and I were newlyweds and loved hosting the youth group at our house. I loved cooking and baking for the kids and just having a house full of teenagers. It was a great opportunity for them to bring their friends too.

One night at youth group, a teenager who had been at our house for dinner the week before brought me a gift. His name was Eric, and he wasn’t a regular attender just yet, but had tagged along with a friend. His gift was so thoughtful, it still makes me smile when I see it 14 years later. You want to know what it was? A spaghetti spoon, you know the kind that helps you dish out the pasta from the pot? Mind-blowing, right?

You see, when the kids had been at our house for dinner, I served them spaghetti. Since Shawn and I were newlyweds, we basically were living on whatever utensils we were given for wedding gifts. Eric had noticed that I was serving up pasta with a regular serving spoon, which proved to be pretty difficult. So he went out and bought me a spaghetti spoon because he noticed I needed one. He never thought that the gift was inconsequential or too small. He simply saw a need and did something thoughtful to meet that need. Isn’t that what love is? When you see a need and do something about it?

This is exactly what God asks of us. He doesn’t require grand gestures or expensive gifts that are hardly attainable. He just simply wants us to give what we can. Galatians 6:10 says, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” When we show love to others, even in small and unexpected ways, we bring glory to God! You don’t have to wait until you have more money or time, and you don’t have to wait for the perfect opportunity. You just have to be willing to notice the needs of others. The only reason Eric was able to get me such a thoughtful gift was because he paid attention. He noticed a need. God is simply asking us to open our eyes, and pay attention. There are small needs (and great needs) all around us.

You have probably read it a thousand times, but don’t let these words lose their power—God is love. It’s not just that God has love, but he IS love. His people are his most treasured creation, and when his people treat each other with love—he is pleased! {And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifice God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16}

So what can we do this week to honor God by loving others? Don’t let being stuck inside keep you from spreading God’s love. You may have to think outside of the box. You may have to open your eyes a bit wider to see the needs of someone else. Is there someone in your life who is more isolated than ever and could use some love? Do you know some essential workers who may need some extra encouragement? Who do you know who is in need of a spaghetti spoon?

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

-Wendy