“A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person” ~ Dave Barry
I used to be a waitress, on my feet 6 hours straight, and some customers were especially rude and demanding. I understand Barry’s quote.
I wasn’t a Christian at the time, but churchgoers witnessed each Sunday morning at our restaurant.
Some were kind, patient, and generous. Others were rude, impatient and stingy.
Have you ever thought about the witness you have on waiters and waitresses, sales clerks, cashiers, receptionists, and repairmen?
We're called to share the gospel, but we're also called to live it.
That's why Scripture tells us to be wise about the way we treat others, making the most of every opportunity:
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Colossians 4:5
Whether we realize it or not…we’re always witnessing. Let's let our light shine and bring glory to the Lord (Matthew 5:16).
Bible Love Notes
Hi Gail - great reminder to be the same to all people. God bless
ReplyDeleteTracy
Hi Gail, perfect, thank you
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Wow...yes, I used to be a waittress as well and the Sunday after church crowd was the most dreaded...sad, but true! And, yes we are always witnessing, we just have to be careful about what we are witnessing. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh, too true. I am always so impressed with waitresses. I don't think I could do it. I do try to be kind.
ReplyDeleteWow Gail...as soon as I read "Always Witnessing" a lady's face came to my mine's eye. I immediately was convicted of my several encounters with her in a medical office. For SOME reason she has "rubbed" me the wrong way everytime I came in contact with her for a conversation. It always left me feeling "down in spirit" when I left there and hoping not to ever have to "deal" with her again. My thoughts went to asking God about it and "feeling" that MY response to her was something I had to make a decision to change. Just yesterday I had the opportunity to see this lady...again. I shared the message of the "Bible Love Note" with her and that I was ashamed for my response to her on those several occassions and asked her to forgive me. She asked my forgivness as well. Thank you for the opening to "right" my "wrongs" with her. I ALWAYS was disappointed with "me" each time but needed that "spiritual nudge" to MOVE me...and of course swallowing my pride. It was WELL worth it. I pray that you will continue to enjoy what time you have left in Budapest :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Charlotte, what an encouraging comment. It blesses me to know that something I wrote convicted and blessed you. And it blesses me to see your honesty and committment in recognizing something and doing something about it! You've really applied your faith to your life. Thanks so very much for taking the time to tell me about this. I pray it blesses others who read the comments. Bless you!
DeleteCharlotte's comment really hit home as our pastor often speaks about this topic. How often do we encounter people that treat us harshly and we become offended. Yet, if we humble ourselves and ask forgiveness of them for anything we did to offend them it could be a game changer. we never know what a person is going through in their life and they may need an encouraging word and as Christians we should be ready to step up to the plate. I too, believe that people sometimes show hints of their true selves when they mistreat servers.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it does Gail for as I read Charlotte's response - there is someone I need to apologize to and ask for forgiveness. Thank You!
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson, great reminder. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love Charlotte's msg.
ReplyDeleteIn retirement, we enjoy cruises. I try to take a stack of Our Daily Breads that are mailed, automatically to me ea month. There are always some special people we meet and leave tips to even if they're incluided in our price. I write a note explaining how much their service made the trip special, how I pray they know Jesus cause I want to spend eternity with them, include the extra tip, and an ODB. On our last trip 3 people were more excited about the booklets than the money! It makes me so excited, esp when many of the ships' employees are from countries where even saying the name Jesus isn't good.
Great article. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. Easiest witnessing in the world. Just be lind. Thank you
ReplyDelete