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Love in the Checkout Line

  • A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34 WEB

    If you study Jesus in the gospels, His defining characteristics were love, compassion, and grace. He was humble, kind, and cared for the people. He touched the outcasts and ate with the sinners. He is rich in love. He told us to love one another, and people would know that we were truly His disciples.

    I once read that patience is not our ability to wait, but our ability to keep a good attitude while we wait. To be slow to anger, loving, gracious, and compassionate. I am still working on that as well, so don't feel bad if you fail to measure up as you are not the only one.

    Recently we went shopping for juicing supplies at Sam's Club during a long fast. When we got to the checkout lines, the one on the right had two people in it. One of the men there was buying for a restaurant and had a long commercial flat cart with supplies stacked up about three feet high, at least 75 items, and then there was a cart in front of him, and another cart joined behind him.

    The other checkout line had one little lady with three items, so we chose that one and got behind her. Mistake... By the time we got to the cash register, the restauranteur had completed his purchase, parked his cart and went over and gotten a hotdog. The next people in his line went through as well. The conversation in our line went something like this:

    Cashier: 'Would you like to have our card?'

    Lady: 'Oh yes, I have been meaning to sign up for that.'

    Cashier: 'Great! Then fill out this form.'

    Lady: 'Ok. Do you have a pen?'

    (Slowly scratches on the paper for a while with a pen.)

    Cashier: 'I see that your membership is going to expire in three months, would you like to go ahead and renew it?'

    Lady: 'Oh yes, I almost forgot about that. Let's renew it.'

    Cashier: 'We offer an extended warranty on that toaster. Would you like to add it on?'

    Lady: 'I guess it is better to be safe than sorry.'

    (At this point she smiled at us.)

    Cashier: 'Excellent, fill out this registration card for me.'

    By the end, it took so long that I was struggling to not laugh out loud. We had clearly been chosen for a test. I tried hard to bite my tongue and laugh it off, really hard. I could feel something in me screaming, but as I refused to react, it slowly died.

    So if you have to stand in a checkout line today, and the cashier is completely incompetent, and the people are digging through their purse for coupons, and the line has not moved in thirty minutes: Try to smile, be kind, be rich in love, and be glad that you are not the one that all of those angry people are looking at. Though I must say that it is difficult'

    As a Child of the King, you are carrying the Lord's name with you, wherever you go. People watch you, and your actions speak much louder than your words. Live a life that gives glory to God and does not bring disgrace on His family. Do not give His enemies a chance to blaspheme His name as David did (2Sam. 12:14). Remember that what you feed in your life will grow, and what you starve will die.

    Prayer: Father, I thank You for loving me and ask that You help me love others as well. Help me see the big picture. Walk with me today and help me make the right decisions. Put a guard over my mouth, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.


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42 comments
  • 4
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Patience is a vertue:) and one I need more practice at :) Thanks for todays inspired message. Father thank you for this daily bread for my soul. Thank you for pastor Dion and his listening ear, always hearing your words to send to your children here at RHM. Help me with patience. Help me have a good attitude while waiting... guide me and lead me to show love and patience to those around me. When I am feeling frustrated by the wait, help me to remember others wait on me sometimes too. Help me to show others only  your love and to control my impatience and anoyances. Fill me up with peace, love, long suffering, patience, and joy. In the mighty name of Jesus ~Amen~
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Amen. Ditto.  
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen and amen, Dianna <3!
November 22, 2015
  • 5
Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr lol. Great Advice Pastor. I have been in about 20 different countries across the planet, and America is by FAR the most impatient of the lot. I find myself wanting to whack the person buying lotto tickets in front of me. What really ticks me off, is when I use my credit card at the gas pump, and the Stupid gas pump tells me to go inside for my receipt, lol. Of course, The Holy Spirit always convicts me for looking mean at someone. I mean, it's bad enough that I had to withstand the indignance of an incompetent goofball, now I get my slack jerked from God The Holy Spirit! He says: Geez, you really came off as Citizen of Heaven, didn't you? :)
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd lol, Norm, no one said it would be easy ;)!
November 22, 2015
  • 4
Karen Pietrantonio
Karen Pietrantonio Amen! I was just thinking of discussing this at the next worship team meeting - that how we treat others is a direct reflection of Christ! I am not very patient by nature, and I often find myself getting annoyed by a wait in a checkout line. I do sometimes think, then, that if I'm frustrated, how must that cashier feel? Especially when the customer who is taking so long is rude to him or her? Talk about conviction!  Thank you, Pastor Dion, for a great message this morning!
November 22, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Karen, exactly! These people work at a pretty low wage and have to deal with a sea of people glaring at them every day. Sometimes it isn't their fault at all. At the Sam's Club we shop at, they require the cashiers to offer an upgraded membership to every customer who doesn't yet have it. That already adds to the time, but then there will be those who actually want to talk about it, or God forbid (;-)) even sign up! In the meantime, the twenty people behind them get to watch the whole process!
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Katrina Whitfield
Katrina Whitfield Good morning  and thank God for waking me up this morning.  Pastor I love this devotion. I'm not a person that rushes my life for many things.  I'm very patient 99% of the time. I must say this takes patients  and love to  another level. I'm  not sure  in this case.  Lol Thanks for a great tip on love. I would  have never thought  of  love in this situation. I love everyone and think  I can save all. Again  thanks for the eye opener.  Have a happy  God filled week.
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Martin Snyder
Martin Snyder I keep praying for patience, why does it take so long? (lol)
November 22, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Haha, Martin :)!
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome amen I am blessed
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke Amen. Happy Sunday every one, stay bless
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Anthony Kulbicki
Anthony Kulbicki funny now...but not funny when it happened i understand. Sounds like a similar experience my Pastor went through just going through the drive thru to get his cup of coffee. Patience tested, yeppers, though the temptation to raise a lil was there, he was able to gratefully say thanks for the coffee and thanks to God for the strength. God is Awesome!  
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, it's so important, especially for a pastor, 'cause ya never know who's watching :). I remember a story from Joyce Meyer: she and her husband were at a restaurant, and I think the waitress accidentally spilled water on her husband. They took it all with a good attitude, which was good, because she later commented that she was so relieved, because she listened to Joyce all the time. I'm sure that would have been crushing to meet her and find out she had a horrible temper.
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Anthony Kulbicki
Anthony Kulbicki so true...we don't know who's watchin...i'm reminded of that daily. Sometimes I pass the test and other times it's like I had lost the good sense the Lord gives us. 
November 23, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Haha, Anthony, I know that's the case for all of us :)!
November 23, 2015
  • 3
Gail Sellu
Gail Sellu Amen good morning Pastor Dion, thank you for the reminder,  point taken! 
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen Lord. 
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Myrna Gonzalez
Myrna Gonzalez Amen,Pastor Dionr he does test us many times n patience is not easy but i.m.trying my best to be more patient.Thank you for all your devotionals.May Yahshua bless.you and may he continue giving you.the strength so.that you continue teaching us the word.  
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen. Love your last line: "Remember that what you feed in your life will grow, and what you starve will die." Some real wise words there. God bless you and your family today Pastor Todd.
November 22, 2015
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, brother!
November 22, 2015
  • 2
kylie dempsey
kylie dempsey I agree Mark....I have one in particular character defect that I need to starve :(  But I keep feeding it: the flesh screams like a two year old having a tantrum. 
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd For sure, patience is not always easy, but ya know never who you are being a witness to, for good or bad! There was another time, at the same Sam's Club, and we were doing our usual thing, loading up our items together on the belt, trying to be patient at the lack of speed ;). After we finished checking out, the lady behind us said something like "I just wanted to tell you that you two are such a great couple, you give me hope!". We smiled and said thank you, but to be honest, we had no clue whatsoever what could have inspired that impression, because we were chugging along, trying to get through the day. Still, we were glad that we weren't emoting our irritation all over the line that day ;-).
November 22, 2015
  • 3
kylie dempsey
kylie dempsey Ah yes....the old stuck in the check out line test. Lol. I once was a cashier and it has been my hardest job so far. Some people are terribly rude, impatient and some were openly hostile. God bless them and God change me.
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Hi Kylie, have not seen you for quite a while, good to hear from you :)! Yes, the service industry is so difficult, especially in these entitled days. Doing a job like that well probably takes the greatest patience of all!
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Kylie I know what you mean, I used to work in customer service as a cashier and not as a cashier, but the worst I found was when my hubby and I managed as storage facility and it came time to sell someone's stuff for non payment.  They get notices of what is going to happen and they have like 90 days to come up with the money, but they choose not too and then yell at you like it is your fault.  Patients sure is a vertue.
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Diane Casey
Diane Casey Amen!!!!! I have dealt with similar situations, except in this case, the lady was trying to find her debit card, she looked and looked, I was just looking around like I wasn't giving her a hurry up lady look, someone behind me offered to pay for her groceries, she immediately let her know, " oh, I have plenty of money," she finally decided to write a check, whewwww finally!!!! :). Patience is one of my greatest virtues, I learned to be patient thru my special needs son, I'm still a work in progress. Blessings to you all!
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Yes, uthers are watching us, even if we don't say any thing, but have that look! others will see that. I pray that I will be kind in my attitude, and that God will lead others across our path that ai can be kind to. It is Gods timeing that is important.
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! We can be tested in patience in many ways. When we are put on hold and redirected to another dept. ,where we have to repeat everything all over again. The music they play when we are on hold tests us as well. Where do they find it? Maybe under the annoy them until they hang up category. Lol
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli LOL Carol
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield I had to laugh as I read today's devotionl. It could have been written for me! Without fail, I run into the same predicament every Sunday at Shop Rite, and with just a few days left until Thanksgiving, I'm sure today's shopping experience will be anothertest of my patience.I'                                                                                                                   ve found that laughter is the best remedy for that sort of thing.A cashier even remarked that I seemmed to have an abundance of patiience! I merely replied, "No, I just pray and leave everything in God's hands!"
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli I had that happen to me before and I moved to line next to me thinking it would be faster, well that was a big mistake it took longer and didn't even have a person registering for something....lesson learned here was don't ever change lines...LOL Also, I prayed for patience and oh God sure made sure I learned patience.  I am a lot more patient today then in my younger days.
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Necie Mc
Necie Mc Amen!! I am in the retail industry and have been for over 20 years in management role. Early in my career, I must confess that this time of year I would dread because of the impatience and sometimes outright rudeness of some people. I was tested by this rude lady spewing hateful words and trying to get me to react. All the while I kept my composure (actually I started being syrupy sweet and continously smiling) I felt at peace and her words did not penetrate to release that other screaming side. Yes it was an embarrasing situation, but the peace I felt outweighed any embarrasment. I thanked her and genuinely told her to have a blessed day.  She called me the next day to apologise for being so rude. I immediately accepted her apology because she took the time out of her day to find the number to call me back to apologise ( keep in mind that this was before EVERYONE had cell phones and internet)  She thanked me for my patience and service. I give God all the glory because he was the reason for my peace in that situation. I was a witness by my actions. I've not had a situation as bad as that one since that day because people see something in me. 
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Cheryl Wilson
Cheryl Wilson Amen & thank you for the reminder!  God Bless!!
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen
November 22, 2015
  • 3
Dorene Glaze
Dorene Glaze Amen, i think we all have had to be tested in this area and more than once ,when Norman and i go to the store and at sams club after a minute or so i just tell him ill wait in the line while you go get the truck and pick me up at the door ,its beneficial for both of us .
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
November 22, 2015
  • 2
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Wow you did much better than I would have im sure! Thanku for these devotionals they really do help me in my everyday life, Im so struggling right now with my mom passing away its been the hardest time Ive ever had in life and at times it seems like its too much to bare but I know god is with me but wow does it ever hurt! Ive never felt this kind of pain before Ok Thanx for listening God Bless you pastor.
November 22, 2015
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd May the Lord give you peace duriing this time Scott in Jesus name. 
November 22, 2015
  • 1
Michelle Toney
Michelle Toney Lol....well the GOOD thing is...we are ALL a work in progress...we go through the test/trial..we servived it....lol....an hopefully LEARNED from it,  cuz if not...guess what ?? Another test...lol...  Living & learning is a work on progress....everyday...:-) .     I love your devotionals, some make me laugh out loud, some make me sad, some make my heat smile but they ALL it home for the most part...:-) 
November 23, 2015
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Lord, please give me the courage to love my neighbor.
November 23, 2015