When our time on this earth is over, people will remember certain things about us. They may remember where we worked, the house we lived in, the things we owned, or the accomplishments we were proud of. But I wonder if those are really the things that matter most. People will remember how we treated them. They will remember whether we were kind. They will remember whether we listened. They will remember whether we encouraged them when they were having a difficult day. They will remember whether our words built them up or tore them down.

The Bible places great importance on the way we treat others. Paul wrote, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Kindness does not always require a great sacrifice. Sometimes it is a phone call to someone who has been missed at church. Sometimes it is sitting beside someone who is hurting. Sometimes it is saying, “I am praying for you,” and actually doing it. Sometimes it is simply taking a moment to listen. We often think we have to do something extraordinary to make a difference. Most of the time, we do not. Some of the greatest influence we have may come through ordinary moments that we never realize mattered. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Our faith is not only seen in what we say on Sunday. It is seen in how we treat the person who frustrates us. It is seen in how we respond when someone disappoints us. It is seen in whether we forgive, whether we serve, and whether we notice the person who feels forgotten. One day, our possessions will belong to someone else, and our accomplishments will become memories. Our names may eventually be forgotten but the way we loved people can stay with them for a lifetime.

So today, look for someone you can encourage. Look for someone who needs a little kindness. Tell someone you appreciate them. Forgive someone. Make the phone call. Sit down and listen.

You may never know how much that small act meant, and when people think about your life, may they not simply remember what you accomplished.

May they remember Jesus.

By: Justin Odom