Joel Osteen Devotional 12 February 2020 – Be the Smile of God
Today’s Scripture
Jacob said, “Please. If you can find it in your heart to welcome me, accept these gifts. When I saw your face, it was as the face of God smiling on me.” – Genesis 33:10, MSG
Today’s Word
Genesis 25 and 27 record two deceptions by Jacob that resulted in such great losses for his brother, Esau, that he vowed to kill Jacob. For many years, the brothers lived estranged. Finally, the day came when Jacob returned to his home, only to hear that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. Vengeance seemed certain. But when Esau saw Jacob, he ran to him and hugged him, weeping and welcoming Jacob back. Jacob was so moved by Esau’s kindness that he said, “Seeing your face was as the face of God smiling on me!”
Life is not about getting revenge and hurting people who hurt you. It’s easy to try to pay someone back, ignore them, and make them suffer. All that’s doing is holding you down. Why don’t you be the smile of God and show them the kindness they don’t deserve? When you’re the smile of God, He’ll make sure people smile back on you.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for all of the times that You have loved me and smiled on me when I deserved neither. Help me to be forgiving, merciful, and kind to those who have done wrong to me. I want to be Your smile to those who don’t deserve it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Previous: Take Control
Joel Scott Osteen is an American pastor, televangelist, and author, based in Houston, Texas. Osteen’s televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries. He is the author of ten books which have been ranked number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.