October 15, 2026

Friendly

Proverbs 15:30

Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news provides health and new strength to your body. 

Dear Readers,

Could you please imagine that this friendly man on the stamp was your neighbor? When you run into him, he greets you warmly and smiles at you. Or imagine that this friendly man was your boss at work. He would be understanding and always have good advice. Every encounter with him would motivate you in your daily work.

This friendly face on the stamp belongs to the German movie actor Heinz Rühmann (1902–1994). His facial expression is typical of him. That’s how many people remember him out of his movies.

Now, it’s quite unrealistic to expect us to go with a steady smile on our face through the whole day. We don’t always have a beaming look for those around us. But especially when we suffer or feel stressed, a friendly look or a kind word feels good. It does us good when someone smiles at us with their eyes and has a kind word to say. A word that isn’t harsh or rough. A word that is gentle and kind.

The other day someone sent me these thoughts. I don’t know who the author is, but they really touched me:

“Why is it important to be kind? Because every day we pass hundreds of people—and none of them is wearing a sign that says, ‘I’m grieving, I’m exhausted,’ or ‘I’m barely keeping my head above water.’ But these people are everywhere. Our kindness might be the only opportunity which gives them a little bit of comfort today.”

I want to keep that in mind as I encounter my fellow human beings today. A friendly glance, a friendly greeting, a kind word. Not rough and harsh like a file. Gentle and understanding, in keeping with the spirit of Jesus.

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. May our good God bless you! I look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on November 1.

This text was translated using DeepL, edited by R. Jordan