The Ripple Effect

One of the great things about story telling is that it leads the mind to create even more visions of the story itself. I think that is why Jesus of Nazareth told so many stories. It engaged the people at the time and even after the story is over. I call it the ripple effect. Once the object hits the water, the ripple begin.

For example, have you ever consider how the man who was helped on the side of the road was affected by the kindness of the Samaritan. When the injured man went to pay his bill for the time he needed to recover, he was told it was paid in full. Do you think he looked at Samaritans differently? Do you think he might have looked at strangers in need with different eyes? Did the compassion of the Samaritan begin a ripple effect? I pray it did!

Or what about the day after the great feast given for the Prodigal Son? Did the son work with the Father? Did he look at his world differently? Did he extend compassion to his older brother? I hope the party changed the whole community!

Or what about the real life incidents of Jesus' life. Do you think the woman who was caught in adultery was a changed woman? Did she look at men differently because of the man who showed her what compassion and love really were? Did she give to someone else the grace and love shown her? The Scriptures itself tell us nothing more about this woman. Her story is unfinished.

And what about you and me? Do we take the time to give to the world around us what we have received? Is our faith changing the world around us? What could our world be like if we were to show one act of kindness, mercy, and grace that created a ripple?

You see Jesus wanted us to know that love begets love. Love creates love. Grace gives more grace. The ripple can begin with you and me.

Do not believe it? Try it. It will change you and your world. Love does that. Let's ripple the world with love!