Angels in Disguise

Frank lives in a tent by the airport. He is 67, homeless and mostly keeps to himself. People avoid Frank because of his situation and rough image. Those who do, misjudge him; I know I did. As I’ve got to know Frank, I’ve learned that he has a kind and generous heart. He cares for a homeless woman and her cat that live nearby. He feeds the birds and squirrels who live around him. Frank just might be an angel in disguise (see Hebrews 13:2).

It’s easy to leap to conclusions and to misjudge others. We tend to notice the outward things: their clothes, where they live, how they talk. But Jesus told us we can recognise the character of another person by their ‘fruit’.

Fruit takes time to develop and grow. Over time we will get to know others by the ‘fruit’ that the Holy Spirit grows not only in them but in us as well. The apostle Paul lists that fruit: ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control’ (Galatians 5:22–24, CEB).

When we take the time to get to know the people around us, we allow ourselves to see the real fruit they possess. We may discover angels in disguise around us.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the people around us who bless us and make life worth living. Amen