Have you ever considered how even a so-called “small” act of kindness can change someone’s life? One act of kindness can literally be lifesaving. Throughout my life, I often heard what some refer to as the “golden rule”; do unto others as you would have them do unto you. That quotation is actually from Luke 6:31.
Having had the opportunity over the past few years to interact with people in need, I have come to realize what a difference acts of kindness can make in a person’s life. I wonder how often people in genuine need, are either outright ignored, or forgotten; leading some to succumb to feelings of self-pity, loneliness, or despair.
I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. -Psalm 142:4
Loving acts of kindness can change despair to hope, a fearful heart, to one filled with faith, change sorrow to joy, pain to comfort, anxiety filled moments to “quiet seas” (Psalm 94:19; Luke 4:18-19; John 14:1; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:6-7).
One of the most often quoted, and the greatest life changing act of kindness ever, recorded in the Word of God, is John 3:16. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. What an unselfish act of kindness that is still extended and exhibited, to an UNDESERVING world; for God to allow His Son to give his life as a ransom for all of mankind (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
There are numerous acts of kindness mentioned in the Word.
Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, vs.5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done.
Ephesians 2:7-8 (CEV) God expressed His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus, and we all were treated much better than we deserved.
Romans 2:4 tells us that It is the kindness of God that leads a person to change. That truly is life changing kindness.
1 Corinthians 13:4 love is patient, love is kind.
Kindness is a fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22
When a person acts out of genuine kindness they too are blessed. Proverbs 11:17
It is so personally gratifying to extend a kindness to others in their time of need.
In Luke 18:35-43, and in Mark 10:46-52, we find the healing account of a blind man named Bartimaeus. He so desired healing that he ignored the naysayers and continually cried out to Jesus, “deal kindlywith me”. Jesus responded by healing him.
In Acts 3:1-10, we find the record of the healing of the lame man at the temple by Peter and John.
In Acts 4:9, this healing of the lame man, is referred to as an act of kindness. This healing act of kindness was so dramatic that those who knew him, or knew about him, their lives were also affected in a powerful way.
In Acts 9:36-42, we read about Tabitha, known for her kindness, who Peter raised from the dead.
In Acts 28(1-10), Paul and his traveling companions literally received a “warm welcome” when they arrived on the island of Malta on a cold and rainy night, as the inhabitants built a fire to warm them, and showed them extraordinary kindness. The hospitality extended to them was so great, that they remained there for three entire months. In verse 7, Publius, the governor of the island invited Paul and his companions to stay at his home for three days. Another act of kindness.
During his stay there, Paul prayed for Publius’ father who was sick in bed, and healed him. Paul’s selfless and loving act of kindness, healing in this case, was so impactful that the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul, and he healed them all as well. When Paul and his companions were set to depart the island, the grateful residents furnished everything that they needed for their continued travels by sea.
In Galatians 4:13 we learn that Paul’s initial opportunity to share the Word of God with the Galatians, came about when an illness prevented him from traveling. Paul described the kindness of the Galatian believers, as him having been treated him like an angel of God, or even Christ Jesus himself. What an amazing description of the life changing kindness he experienced. As a result, Paul was able to share the life changing words of the Word of God with them.
May we in our daily lives, remember to be kind, tenderhearted, always forgiving (Ephesians 4:32), let our light shine, that our kind deeds glorify our Father in Heaven.
“No man can do a truer kindness in this world than to pray for me.” Charles Spurgeon.
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