The opportunity to do good is always within reach.
A kind word.
A helping hand.
A moment of compassion.
The heart already knows what to do.
REACH OUT ANYWHERE TO BEGIN
I am reminded of the highest standard one can attain: to treat others as they would want to be treated.
No need to overthink it.
No need to waste precious time searching for complicated answers.
We are all alike in the ways that matter most.
Knowing this allows us to participate in life with anyone, anywhere, and do the right thing as revealed in the moment through the heart.
HEART-SPEAK
We usually know what to do.
It is often the failure to do it that troubles us and awakens the conscience.
Conscience—”with knowing”—is God’s gentle prompt within us, asking us to pause before acting or failing to act.
It quietly reminds us to choose according to the dictates of the heart.
THE ACHE OF CONSCIENCE
We were created in the image of something magnificent.
Part of that design includes an internal compass that continually points toward righteousness.
When we ignore it, another feeling appears.
Guilt.
Not to destroy us, but to redirect us.
FOOL-FILLED OR FULL-FILLED?
Many people learn to ignore the first prompting.
They move past the moment and tell themselves it does not matter.
But the conscience remembers.
One ignored moment becomes another.
Then another.
Soon the heart grows heavy beneath what can only be called compounded guilt.
The question becomes:
Do you want to be fool-filled or fulfilled?
JUDGE YOURSELF FIRST
When this happens, it is wise to stop and conduct a personal review.
Examine your conduct.
Examine your motives.
Examine your choices.
What you will often discover is not condemnation but correction.
And correction is one of the greatest gifts ever given to mankind.
CHANGE
The Greek word often translated as repentance simply means “to change.”
Change direction.
Change conduct.
Change course.
When we sincerely desire to do this, healing begins.
Awareness arrives.
The heart softens.
The burden lifts.
THE STANDARD ALREADY EXISTS
Human beings were not left without guidance.
The standard has already been established.
Love God.
Love your neighbor.
Everything else grows from there.
This standard transforms not only ourselves but everyone touched by our actions.
USE WHAT YOU WERE GIVEN
Plants, animals and insects fulfill their design automatically.
Mankind is different.
We are invited to develop our gifts, talents, abilities and understanding.
We are expected to grow them, refine them and multiply them.
Not for selfish gain.
But for service.
HE WHO HAS EVERYTHING
What do you give someone who already owns everything?
You give yourself.
You return what was given.
Not merely one-for-one.
But multiplied through effort, growth, wisdom, character and love.
YOU ARE THE GIFT
God gave.
Creation exists because God gives.
When we give, we imitate the Source.
And the highest form of flattery is imitation.
The giver sees the giving and is pleased.
RETURN THE GIFT
Everything we are has been entrusted to us for a season.
Our talents.
Our opportunities.
Our relationships.
Our experiences.
The invitation is simple:
Return them improved.
Return them multiplied.
Return them with gratitude.
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE
Remember this:
God watches the heart.
Not occasionally.
Continually.
This allows us to live with authenticity, simplicity and sincerity.
Character formed here travels beyond here.
Be true to yourself.
And the Truth within you will rejoice.
As Jesus taught:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”
Reach out.
Begin anywhere.
The opportunity is already waiting.
— Richie
Pearls for the Soul
when you feed the soul, you feed everything.
https://pearlsforthesoul.com
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