Like many people in America, various glasses and cups fill my cabinet. Some were gifts; I purchased others on vacation or trips. Most I bought because I liked how they look, are designed, or feel in my hand.
Half Full or Half Empty
People often refer to one’s attitude or perspective toward reality as represented by a cup that is half full or empty. Despite how you currently feel about your “cup’s” fullness, I encourage you to disregard the idea of half-full versus half-empty. After visiting third-world countries, I assure you that owning a cup is a blessing in itself! May I invite you to consider that regardless of the ounces in your cup, it’s what’s in it that matters?
I often listen to sermons while traveling. A few months ago, a pastor used an illustration that resonated with me. I don’t recall the exact wording, but the essence was this:
“What’s in your cup is what spills when you bump into others. If your cup is full of diet soda, you don’t spill lemonade on the person you bump into, you spill diet soda. You can’t spill what isn’t in your cup.
I want to be so filled with Jesus that when I bump into others, His characteristics are what spills out and onto them.”
Think about that. As we go about our daily routines, we rub elbows with people from all walks of life. Sometimes we have a lot in common, and sometimes, not so much. However, every interaction is an opportunity to “spill” a little bit of Jesus on others.
Fruit of the Spirit
So, what does a “cup full of Jesus” contain? The list of the fruit of the Spirit from the book of Galatians is a great place to see!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23a
Jesus’ interactions with people from every level of society fill the pages of scripture. He is full of patience, mercy, and grace. Whether my cup is running over or feeling low, I want it (i.e., my heart) to be like His. I desire to be so near Jesus that His character has become mine. May every conversation, glance, touch, or “elbow-brush” with others bring out the mannerisms, habits, and traits of Jesus, like spilling from a cup He filled.
With Jesus, your cup will never be half empty. May we live so close to him that He fills us to the brim with overflowing love, faith, and kindness to others. Would you ask Him to fill your cup today? Then go, share the loving kindness of our Savior with a world of people who need His touch.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs