Acts of Kindness

I was with my sister-in-law in a hospital waiting room while my brother was having surgery. That day I saw God’s love in action as she talked to each person in the waiting room. When the magazines in one older lady’s lap fell to the ground, Linda promptly picked them up, neatly arranged them. and gave them back to her. She seemed surprised that a stranger would help her like that. Afterward, it was like they were old friends. Later another lady needed a drink, so Linda got up and brought back a Coke for her. Seeing someone display God’s love and kindness to one person after another was a refreshing lesson, now etched in my mind.

It’s amazing how being an example of God’s love and kindness can make a greater impact on people than many words that may be forgotten.

I’m reminded of Jackie DeShannon’s song in 1965 “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” I believe this is truer today than ever. “God is love,” says 1 John 4:16 (NET), and one of the best ways to show this is by random acts of kindness.

We are all kind to those we know and will go the extra mile for them, but what about those we don’t know?

The apostle John exhorts us to “walk as Jesus walked” (1 John 2:6). 

In describing the ministry of Jesus, Paul shows us how God anointed Christ as “He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). 

One of my friends at work intentionally notices the people at her church that no one has spoken to, and strikes up a conversation. When I heard this, I marveled over this kind and loving gesture. I can relate to and know how good it feels to be acknowledged and have someone befriend us.

Paul tells us that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God already has our activities planned. We can all ask Him to direct our steps in order to fulfill His plan for our day so we may please Him and later receive heavenly rewards. Our acts of kindness go a long way in showing people that God sees them and loves them. If we find ourselves at home a lot, praying for others is one of the kindest ways to bless people.

Remember, “He will reward each one according to his works” (Romans 2:6).

Recently, I talked with my nurse at the doctor’s office and complimented her on the excellent way she put on her makeup. By her response, you would have thought I had given her $1,000! This was in God’s plan for my day. One encouraging word enabled her to feel comfortable enough to confide in me and it provided the right opportunity to share God’s love and pray for her. I left the office with a big smile and a hug from her.

The 1960s Gospel song “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” by Friar Peter Scholtes, speaks volumes. We aren’t all called to be preachers or evangelists, but we are called to display His love though simple acts of kindness. These acts of kindness are in God’s Book waiting for us to fulfill, so each day, let’s make ourselves available to be used by Him.

Father, please direct our day so it conforms to Your plan. Enable us to find ways to touch others with Your love through acts of kindness designed by You. 

~

Scripture quotations taken from the New English Translation NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.