Mid-week Devotional:

Week of April 5, 2026

Scripture for this Mid-week Devotional comes from the New Testament book of Romans, Romans 12:17

Hear the Word of God,

“17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.”

This is God’s word for God’s people. Thanks be to God. AMEN.

In the New Interpreter’s Study Bible, it explains that “take thought denotes a considered response rather than a hasty or defensive reaction.”

This past week my husband and I traveled to South Carolina to spend Easter with our youngest son and his family. We are used to driving 2-3 days to spend time with family because each of our sons live in different states; Texas, Minnesota, and South Carolina. Normally traffic moves smoothly with very few glitches. This time it seemed that there were more cars and semis on the road than there has been in the past. Traffic was bumper to bumper even on the roads outside the cities we traveled through. Drivers cut in front of others without turning their blinkers on to let others know what they were going to do. There was very little evidence of kindness and consideration.

Rest areas in every state we passed through were filled with travelers. Very few people returned my words of “Hello, have a blessed day” with a nod of acknowledgment or a smile. Many ignored me and looked the other way.

I could have given up on sharing words of kindness to those who passed me by, but I didn’t. Scripture from Romans 12:17 tells us that we are to be kind to others wherever we are.

-One never knows who needs to hear words of kindness.

-One never knows who needs to hear that they matter.

-One never knows who needs to hear that God loves them.

In the days ahead I will continue to say hello and smile to those who cross my path.

Today and in the days ahead may you reach out to those you encounter with kindness, a smile, a hello, and acknowledgement that they are present.

Peace be with you.

AMEN.