Free Samples

Good morning!

I would like to share with you an experience I had late last week when I went to Safeway to pick up a few items we needed at home. I stopped by the deli to get some cheese and the nice lady in front of me was taking her time asking about almost every item, sharing a story about how used to cook it or times that she served it. It was very sweet, but I have to be honest, at one point I became slightly irritated because my wait was extending to almost 10 minutes. It was hard to get angry, especially after she turned around, noticed I was there, smiled, and said in a sweet manner, "I'm so sorry I'm taking so long. I'll hurry up for you." My irritation was immediately lifted. I couldn't be irritated by such sweetness. I guess the old adage is true, "Kill them with kindness." :)

When it was finally my turn, the lady behind the deli counter wore a big smile, was very energetic, and very attentive to my needs. Before preparing my order of cheese, she asked if I wanted anything else. I told her no, but she asked if I wanted any deli meat. Again, I said no, understanding that she was trying to sell me something I didn't come in the store to get. She then offered me the "best ham she's ever tasted!". Yeah...right. She said, "While I'm slicing your cheese, I'll give you a free sample." I never turn down free food (unless I know I don't like it)!

She gave me a slice and my mouth sang praises to the fine pig that offered this delectable meat. I know there are others involved in making it taste so good, but the pig offered the ultimate sacrifice! The lady affirmed my experience with some more push to buy some. I hesitated (cause now I'm thinking this is pretty good!). She offered me another free sample and it was just as good as the first. By now, she was done with my order and she asked me again if I'd like any of that ham off the bone. I had three options here: 1) Stick to my guns and say no 2) Say yes and share the delicious experience with my family 3) See if she continues the pattern and gives me more samples. Since I'm not too devious when it comes to free samples, I took door number 2 and I bought a full pound (not cheap!).

I would have never bought that ham, nor experienced how good the product was, had the lady behind the counter not offered me free samples.

I think there is something we can learn from this experience as the church. We are called to offer free samples in every life situation we find ourselves in as we represent our God and offer the free gift of grace that has made us whole! Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

God offers us free samples of His love and grace in the mundane and the chaotic, the simple and the complex, the doubtful and the faithful experiences of life. His love is a free gift to us and when we accept it we do not have a corner on the market. It is not meant to flaunt to others. It is not meant to be stored up for our own use (for the times we really need God's mercy and forgiveness!). When we fully receive God's love and grace, we are to give it away. We have the joy of offering free samples!

Free samples to those who don't even know they would be blessed by it!
Free samples to those who have already determined they are going to say "No."
Free samples to those who have experienced it, but aren't sure if they are willing to "buy" it.
Free samples to those who have fully received it.
Free samples to those who feel called to share what they have with those they know and love!

Free samples. It's that simple.

In what ways will you offer free samples of God's love and grace to those in your circle of influence this week?

Holy God, thank You for Your free gift of grace. Thank you for restoring my life and offering me free daily samples that lead me to get the full-course meal from You! I want to freely share what You have offered. Give me the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the heart to feel for those who need a free sample in their life! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.