Always with Grace

by David Gibson

It was about 4:00 a.m. in the ICU. There had been a change of shifts, and a nurse entered Chub Lambert’s room whom he had not met before.

“Good morning!” Chub said. “How are you doing today?” She didn’t respond at first. After a pause, she said, “I don’t know how to answer that because in all the time I’ve worked here, no one has ever inquired how I am.”

How many of those whom a nurse serves are irritable and demanding? Nurses must have a thick skin and exercise great patience with their patients.

How do we view those who serve us in restaurants, stores, and other public places? Do we see them as individuals with needs and feelings, like ourselves? How sensitive are we to how our words and actions affect them personally? Are we careful about our tone of voice? Do we say thank you when they refill our glass of water?

Do we tell people off when the service is deficient? What impression does that make on the gospel? Do we communicate our concerns calmly and courteously if we have a real problem with a product or service?

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:5-6 NASB).

What Chub’s nurse said indicates that consideration is in short supply. Therefore, any effort to be pleasant will definitely be noticed! How simple, yet it can open hearts to the gospel!