Day 30: Spread some joy...

There are many factors that will be getting people down at the moment: the economic crisis, the rugby result at the weekend, the fact that there still four working days left this week, the sickness of a loved one, the fact that it seems like March has been the month of rain...

But we are called to bring joy to this world.  How are you going to do that today?  Here are two verses to get you started...

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you (1 Corinthians 1:4)

We often think that we need to do a big symbolic action to show love to somebody, but sometimes all we need to do is smile, or offer a word of encouragement, or say thank you.

Notwithstanding the fact that the clouds have been grey for a long time, most people we know live in a pretty dark world.  Without Jesus, they are missing their source of Light.  A smile, an encouragement, an appreciation - these things make a difference and shine a little light into somebody's day.  So today, why don't you see how much joy you can spread with the little displays of love?

And if you have any other Bible verses or ideas, do share them in the comments below...

For the kids:
Read the two verses together and set the children a little light of love challenge today as well as loving the person on your name slip today.  See if they can spread some joy by smiling, saying thank you to anyone who helps, encouraging somebody, noticing when somebody does something well.  And let them enjoy spreading the joy today!