Some years ago, the University of Illinois conducted an experiment in which 2 pens of pigs were weaned and reared in different environments. One pen of pigs received no handling except for feeding, watering, and pen cleaning. The pigs in the 2nd pen were treated much better. They were played with and petted for at least 15 minutes each day by their caretakers. The end result? The pigs that received the tender, loving care of their handlers thrived much better than those who were ignored. Caring attention, even in the life of a hog, does make a difference!
We all need care. As followers of Jesus, we must follow His example and care for not only people we know or people like us, but also for all people. It will make a difference in their lives and in our own lives.
Years ago at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, a young sociology professor assigned his class to interview 200 boys in one of the city slums. “On the basis of your findings predict their future,” he instructed the class. Shocked at what they had seen in the slums, the students estimated that 90% of the boys they interviewed would someday serve time in prison.
25 years later the same professor asked another class to locate the survivors of the 200 boys and to compare what happened. Of the 180 boys, they could find only 4 who had ever been to jail.
Why had the predictions by the earlier class proven false? A common denominator was sought in their lives, some value or influence that could have made the difference. Through more interviews it was revealed that over 100 of them remembered having the same high school teacher, Mrs O’Rourke, who had been a tremendous influence on them at the time.
After a long search, Mrs O’Rourke was found in a nursing home. When asked for her explanation, she was puzzled and replied, “All I did was love everyone of them.”
Our love can shape the destiny and course of the lives of the people with whom we come into contact. We must be aware that love is a powerful force that has very real effect on people. A simple loving word or deed may be the difference between life and death, success and failure, or a healthy or destroyed life. The young boys that came into contact with Mrs O’Rourke were positively influenced. The people who met Jesus were also changed for life. What happens to people who meet you? Is your life making a difference in the lives of those around you? You can affect change in others if you will choose to love every one of them. (SCOURCE UNKNOWN)