Women's Devotional: For Women, by WomenНамуна

Openhearted and Openhanded

There is much suffering in the world—very much. Material suffering is suffering from hunger, suffering from homelessness, from all kinds of disease, but I still think that the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, just having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience. In these times of development, the whole world runs and is hurried. But there are some who fall down on the way and have no strength to go ahead. These are the ones we must care about.

Let us be very sincere in our dealings with each other and have the courage to accept each other as we are. Do not be surprised at or become preoccupied with each other’s failure; rather see and find the good in each other, for each one of us is created in the image of God. Jesus has said it beautifully: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” The life-giving sap that flows from the vine through each of the branches is the same.

Be kind in your actions. Do not think that you are the only one who can do efficient work, work worth showing. This makes you harsh in your judgment of others who may not have the same talents. Do your best and trust that others do their best. And be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

In loving one another through our works we bring an increase of grace and a growth in divine love.

Be the living expression of God’s kindness:

kindness in your face,
kindness in your eyes,
kindness in your smile,
kindness in your warm greeting.

—Mother Teresa

Reflection

• Whom do you have trouble accepting? Are there people that you find yourself judging?
• How have you shown that you care for the downtrodden?
• List three practical ways you will follow Mother Teresa’s example of loving others by being openhanded to those less fortunate than you.