Dear Ones,
Hope you have a peace-filled day. Today is Donut day here and fish day as a friend here gave us fresh caught and cleaned Sunfish, which are my favorite. Al has been sick and has someone doing Bible study today so as not to spread germs to others. He is feeling better and we are thankful. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  How we treat others is a good indicator of our relationship with the Lord. If we love Him, we will treat others with the same love that He loves us. I was reading today in the Message translation of Jesus words to the crowd in Matt.5. A few words to ponder were, “Don’t hit back at all…If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously…I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves…Live generously and graciously towards others, the way God lives toward you”
  A living illustration of this type of living is found in our granddaughter who is in college and a very kind and gracious person. She seems to know just what to say to help others feel better and accepted. On the weekends she works in a very large Nursery and has so much knowledge about plants and trees. Of course, not every customer is easy to work with or polite, and not long ago she got a challenging woman who was rather paranoid. The woman came into the Nursery upset as she felt the tree she had set aside was not the original one she had chosen and planned to buy. Instead of questioning her further, our granddaughter said, “Well let’s do something about that!” So she took her to look over other trees and pointed out the best looking ones and before long the woman was more than happy with the replacement. When she left she put on reserve a plant she would later buy and our granddaughter satisfied her by putting her name on all sides of the pot so no mistake would be taken. The woman went home happy and said she would always ask for our granddaughter when she shopped there again.
  It made me think of how we try to influence others for the Lord. Do we argue with them, like our granddaughter could have done and said to the lady that it was ridiculous and of course was her tree! Instead, when we witness to others, we can ask them questions and find out where they are coming from rather than pushing our viewpoint on them. In time we can point out that Jesus is the Way and give personal testimony but it is good to prepare the way first.
Always be gracious and love and pray for others, knowing you may be only one link in leading them to the Lord.
Challenge for today: When tempted to argue with others, first find out where they are coming from and be gracious and loving as you share your viewpoint. 
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Jud