Moving day was overwhelming. When our new neighbor Ginny came to the door with a plate of blueberry muffins and an offer to help, it was like cool breeze on a sweltering summer day.
“I’m free this week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I can help unpack, clean—whatever you need, I’ll be ready to do.”
After many years of working and saving, friends of ours were finally enjoying a family vacation. As they pulled up to the tollbooth on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel in VA with the hefty $15 fee in hand, they got quite a surprise—from strangers!
The toll collector said, “the car in front of you paid your toll!”
Who doesn’t appreciate the blessings of kindnesses such as these?
Have you ever considered why kindness matters?
God showed His kindness to us
“That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)
God wants us to be kind
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Kindness shines your light and gives God the glory
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Our demonstration of kindness shows God’s love and opens the door to lead others to Him
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
In a self-centered world, simple acts of kindness are refreshing, bringing joy to the receiver and the giver:
A warm smile.
Holding the door for someone.
Remembering a birthday.
A quick call or text to let someone know you care.
Unexpected flowers.
“What can I do to help?”
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, developed through intentional effort to think of others more than ourselves.
How can you brighten someone’s life today by showing them the love of God through kindness?
Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton
It’s so true that kindness blesses the receiver but even twice blesses the giver! I look forward to this monthly “biblical food” from you, Cheryl. Not only do you provide sound doctrine but you expound the scripture with great analogies. Thank you so much!
You’re so right Charlene about twice the blessings going to the giver! It makes me wonder how much God smiles when we display kindnesses on His behalf, and through those acts help lead others to Him. Definitely a win-win-win!
So refreshing to read about kindness. It is sorely missing in our world today!
Yes, it is. Glad you found it meaningful. Blessings to you Mary!
Great reminder Cheryl. Especially that God’s light is reflected through our kindness and opens the door to lead others to him. I sometimes forget that kindness is so rare and thus, when I choose to perform random acts of kindness, I am opening the door for others to see and consider the kindness of God. I think I’ll practice this a bit more in the future. Thanks again! 🙂
Many Christians make evangelizing a difficult, even fearful thing. Seeing it as a lifestyle of simple acts of kindness and love makes it all so easy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kathleen. God’s blessings to you today!
Thank you for such a nice article and a reminder about the benefits and effects of kindness. In today’s busy, stressful world, even the smallest kindness can change someone’s day for the better. The best part is that kindness tends to have a ripple effect, when one receives a kind act, they often pass it along. Also, kindness does not have to cost money, so everyone can afford to be kind!
Good point about the “ripple effect” of kindness. So true. Thanks for sharing!