How often do we come across people who are having a bad day? How often do we wish we could give them a little something to cheer them up and make their day a little brighter? A good way to act on that desire is to purchase some chocolate candies (many people love chocolate!) to carry around with you. Chocolate square candies work the best. Tie a small ribbon on the candy (such as you would with a present). Have the candies on hand when you cross paths with someone who needs a pick-me-up. Hand the person one of the chocolate candies, and let him or her know you care and are praying for him or her. A lollipop with a Bible verse glued to the stick is also an option.
You know about Bible tracts—make a “treat tract”! It can be a great display of godly behavior. You can use the example found in the templates section to create a treat tract wrapper for a candy bar. Write kind words and/or a Bible verse, and draw pictures to decorate the jacket wrapper. Glue the long open side together to make a sleeve. Slip it onto the candy bar.
Below are some situations in which you may need to give a handout:
• A relative who’s having a difficult time lately and could use a chocolate cheer-up.
• At a gathering place, such as a Bible study. I recall one time when I nearly bumped into a woman while heading down the hall at my women’s Bible study. I could tell by the expression on her face that she was upset. Although I didn’t know her, I wished I had a handout to offer her.
• Someone at school or work may need a handout. On those days when everything seems to go wrong, a handout is a must.
• Your children may encounter someone at school who didn’t do well on a test.
• You may see an acquaintance while grocery shopping who could use a caring token.
Be sure to have a stash of handouts for those unexpected times when you and your family need to be the light in someone’s dark day.
Up for Discussion
Read 1 Sam. 20:14. Why should we be imitators of the Lord’s continual kindness? How can always having a handout on hand help with this goal?
Read 1 Sam. 25 about David and Abigail. Nabal, Abigail’s husband, refused to offer food to David and his soldiers. When Abigail heard of this, she quickly prepared a meal for David and his men. How did her gracious food handout save many lives? How did it affect her future?
While a piece of chocolate or a lollipop won’t likely save someone’s life, it can affect the future of his or her day by adding a smile to it.
Show me unfailing kindness like that of the LORDas long as I live.
—1 Sam. 20:14