The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. Acts 28:2
I wonder how many of us have experienced an unusual kindness, one of those ‘wow’ moments when you almost don’t know what to say? A young man told a story of how he was in a supermarket doing his grocery shop. He went to the till and proceeded to get his wallet from his pocket, only to discover that he was unable to pay for his food. He was embarrassed as he tried to explain his predicament to the cashier. The person behind him in the queue picked up on his distress and leaned over to tell him not to worry – they would pay for his basket of food. More embarrassing conversation ensued, but in the end, he accepted the kindness being shown that day. A few weeks later, this young man took a bag of groceries, of the same value, to his local foodbank as a way of paying the kindness forward.
This has aspects of the good Samaritan story in Luke 10 – one stranger offering help to another. Two nameless people; one with a need and one able to meet that need, without obligation of repayment. Should this type of kindness be unusual?
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
Random acts of kindness happen every day; big acts, small acts. It could be a phone call, a card, a lift to church, the doctors, the supermarket; walking the neighbour’s dog, helping someone to cross the road, or paying for a stranger’s shopping. We may have been on the giving and receiving end of kindness, and there is something beautiful about them both. God has placed this gift of kindness within us and we all have the ability to open the gift and use it.
We should never underestimate a small act of kindness. If we keep our eyes and ears open to those around us, hopefully we won’t let an opportunity to be kind pass us by.
Narrow Path Ministries 