Daily Encouragement: Day 262

From Handbook to Wisdom, Day 262

EXTRA GRACE REQUIRED

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I am only a resounding
gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have the gift of prophecy and understand all
mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to the poor,
and if I deliver my body to be burned,
but have not love, it profits me nothing.
(1 Corinthians 13:1–3)

I will be an imitator of God as a beloved child,
and I will walk in love, just as Christ loved me
and gave Himself up for me as a fragrant
offering and sacrifice to God.
(Ephesians 5:1–2)

Harpo [Arthur] Marx (1893–1964) was the member of the famous Marx Brothers comedy team who pretended to be dumb. He was a skilled harpist.

During a visit to New York, Harpo was plagued by representatives of charities wanting him to appear at benefits. One persistent lady telephoned him no fewer than 12 times in 48 hours. Harpo eventually agreed to appear for her charity. To ensure that he would not escape her at the last minute, she called to escort him personally to the benefit. As they were leaving his hotel suite, the telephone began ringing. “Don’t you want to go back and answer it?” the lady asked. “Why bother?” responded Harpo with a weary sigh. “It’s undoubtedly you again.”

All of us have experienced the draining effects of people who sometimes play the role of an “EGR” in our lives— “Extra Grace Required.” Before we respond with avoidance and criticism, we would do well remember that we may play a similar role with others, and we certainly do before God.