Marketplace is your Ministry

 

I have this disciple who has quietly and unexpectedly become one of the people God uses to keep me grounded.

She and I rarely meet face to face. She works in the outskirts of Phnom Penh, which is technically already a province. The busyness of her schedule and the distance make it hard to sit down for coffee and talk. But every morning, as I ride my tuktuk on my way to teach at the university, I find myself sharing a devotional message to her on Telegram.

It’s not a big production, just a simple sharing of what God showed me that morning during my quiet time. A verse that spoke to me, a prayer I whispered in the stillness, a thought that reminded me of His faithfulness.

A Morning Routine That Keeps Me Grounded

I’m deeply blessed by her life. Even though she’s still young in the faith, she’s hungry and eager to know Jesus more. She’s passionate, open, and intentional. And without her knowing it, she’s become my accountability partner. She keeps me mindful that what God impresses in my heart each morning shouldn’t just stay with me it’s meant to be shared and lived out. Sharing about sister Sheryl 👈

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
— 1 John 4:7-9

Today’s Reminder: The Great Love of Jesus

This morning, our devotion was about God’s love.

And it hit me again how unmatched, undeserved, and immeasurable this love is.

Jesus didn’t just talk about love. He showed it to everyone, including the sinners, the unlovable, the ones the world looked down on. He gave His life for people who didn’t even care about Him at the time.

It is purely by His grace that we get to live this extraordinary life.

And because we’ve been loved so greatly, we are called to live with purpose, not just for ourselves, but to love others. Even those who don’t like us. Even those who are hard to love.

It’s not easy. But it’s the way of Jesus.

The Great Love That Started It All

Love is the beginning of everything.

You and I are breathing right now because God loves us. He created us out of love, and even when we turned away from Him, He didn’t stop loving us.

In 1 John 4:9, the Bible says:
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”

Even while we were still enemies of God, Jesus came to earth. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again  so that you and I could be forgiven and have a restored relationship with Him.

God gives His love freely. Not because we’re good enough or because we earned it. Simply because He is love.

That’s why John says love comes from God (1 John 4:7).

We cannot truly love others unless we know His love first.

Love: Our Greatest Responsibility

Jesus made it very clear that the greatest commandments are:

1. Love God with all your heart.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving others is not optional.

And as John writes:

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

If we truly know God, His love should flow out of us  in our words, our actions, and even our attitudes toward the people we encounter every day.

That includes:

• The co-worker who constantly criticizes you.

• The student who disrespects you.

• The vendor at the market who tries to overcharge you.

• The classmate who spreads gossip about you.

• The stranger who cuts in line at the bus station.

Because if God freely gave His love to us, how can we withhold it from others?

Why Love Matters Wherever God Places Us

Sometimes we think love is only something we show at church or with family and close friends. But God places us in many different spaces  classrooms, offices, streets, markets  because that’s where His love is most needed.

In Cambodia, where people are often overworked, under pressure, and just trying to survive another day, a small act of love stands out.

A gentle word to a tired cashier.
A patient tone with your tuk tuk driver.
A kind gesture to a colleague who is struggling.

We may not preach sermons, but the way we love can open hearts to the message of Jesus.

6 Helpful Applications

Here are six simple ways you can practice living out God’s love wherever He has placed you whether in Phnom Penh, the provinces, or anywhere else. Take some quiet time to think about these and short and simple prayers you can whisper during your day:

1. Smile and Greet People Kindly

In a culture where many keep to themselves, a simple smile and “Chum reap suor” can brighten someone’s day. At the market or school, show that you see people and care about them.

How has God shown His love to me this week?

Prayer: Lord, help me see others the way You see them.

2. Be Patient in Crowded or Slow Situations

Traffic jams, long lines at ABA or Wing, waiting for food in a busy street stall these moments can test your patience. Instead of getting angry, take a breath and remember to show grace.

Do I find it hard to love certain people? Why?

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to love even when it’s hard.

3. Share Your Food or Drinks

Sharing is a big part of Khmer culture. Bringing extra fruit for your students, or offering a bottle of cold water to the moto driver, can show love in a very practical way.

How can I show more love at work or school?

Prayer: Father, let my words bring encouragement today.

4. Speak Words of Encouragement

So many people here hear only criticism or harsh words. Be someone who notices good things and says, “You did well” or “I’m proud of you.”

Am I willing to love even when it costs me something?

Prayer: God, fill me with patience in every situation.

5. Help Someone Without Expecting Anything

Help carry someone’s heavy groceries, hold the door open, help a classmate review for an exam even if no one thanks you, God sees.

Do others see Jesus’ love in how I treat them?

Prayer: Lord, help me love freely without expecting anything back.

6. Pray for People You Encounter

As you pass by strangers on the street, quietly pray for them. You may never know what they’re going through, but your prayer can make a difference.

What would happen if everyone in my circle chose to love more intentionally?

Prayer: Jesus, may people feel Your love through me today.

Encouragement

I know it’s not always easy to love, especially when we’re tired, hurt, or stressed. But love is not something we have to produce by ourselves. God gives it freely to us, and He will give us the strength to love others if we just ask Him.

Every morning, as I sit in that tuktuk sending my little devotion to my disciple, I remind myself: if God can love someone like me, then I can certainly choose to love the people He places in my path today.

Let’s not waste this extraordinary life by keeping God’s love to ourselves. Let’s live with a purpose to love, even those who may never love us back.

Because in the end, it’s love that will make the biggest difference.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me what true love looks like through Jesus. Thank You for loving me even when I was unlovable. Help me today to love others wherever You have placed me — at home, at work, at school, or in the streets. Teach me to be patient, kind, and forgiving. Fill my heart so full of Your love that it overflows to everyone around me. May my life reflect who You are, and may others come to know You because of the love they see in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments or send me a message — how has God taught you to love others where you are? Let’s keep encouraging one another to live out His love, one day at a time.

Love,

Tess 😍🙏