“Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.“
– John 4:36
 Yesterday we covered the business of goodwill, which is when others consider intangible assets such as your love, service, and actions. Today, I want to share a beautiful story of goodwill in action. I recently read an account describing goodwill between the Native American Choctaw Nation and the country of Ireland. During the forced relocation of the Choctaw Nation in 1831 called the Trail of Tears it is estimated that more than 2,500 Choctaw men, women, and children died on their journey to Oklahoma. Despite their huge loss and in the midst of rebuilding in 1847, the Choctaws took up a donation and collected over $170 ($5,000 in today’s money) to support the Irish during the Potato Famine.
In fact, I met a guy from Ireland who told me that the Choctaw nation’s act of goodwill is still studied in their history books in school. Former Irish President Mary Robinson visited the Choctaw Nation in 1995 to rekindle and reestablish the friendship, and thanked the Choctaws for their aid. Some 25 years later during the coronavirus pandemic, the generosity of the Choctaw Nation was not forgotten. Crediting the kindness shown to them by the Choctaws in 1847, the Irish “paid it forward” and took up a donation to send to the Navajo and Hopi tribes, who were badly stricken during the pandemic. Friend, that’s an amazing story, isn’t it? That’s what goodwill is all about. The invisible spiritual tank is what happens when you plant a seed, when you invest in someone, and don’t expect anything in return. It’s hard to define, and measure, but it’s there, growing. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit, as you become good at serving and loving others, it grows! |
Prayer
Father, I am grateful for the opportunities I have to serve.
Reflection
If you have received any goodwill, how have you paid it forward?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
