A Simple Act of Kindness
On Monday I wrote a devotion about "my current situation" and being on mission. I wondered what the purpose was to our being in this apartment and I described some of the people I've met in the few days we've been here. On Tuesday I was so exhausted from weeks of packing and the weekend move, with a fractured pelvis and a back and neck injury, I was in quite a bit of pain. As I was getting ready to go up to our second floor apartment with my arms full of boxes, I heard someone behind me. As I turned, I saw that it was the new neighbors from across the hall. The sweet lady I wrote about with her precious down syndrome, 7 year old son. I was so excited to see them that I said Bobby and Elizabeth! (not their real names) How are you guys!!? I was genuinely excited to see their familiar faces. Though I've not yet heard Bobby utter a word, at this point I'm not even sure if he's verbal, he wrapped his arms around my legs, held me tight and gave me a hug that was filled with so much love, it brought tears to my eyes. I can't tell you how much I needed that at that very moment.
Here I was, looking for an opportunity to be a blessing, not anticipating that God was waiting for this opportunity to bless me! In the midst of my pain and exhaustion, God used this sweet child to melt my heart and set my focus on His love.
We have so many opportunities throughout our day to share the love of God. Busyness, fatigue, pain and frustration will fight for our complete attention. Take the time to look around and see past the actions into the heart. There's a broken world all around us that needs a smile, hug or a kind word. Become actively aware of your surroundings. That cashier that's being rude to you may have just gotten some bad news about her health or that of a family member. There's so many reasons for people's bitterness, but we hold the key to their freedom, peace and joy. Share the love of Jesus today. Let them know that He loves them as He uses you to be a blessing. Who knows if they may have just prayed, "Jesus, if you're real, show me." Your simple act of kindness can radically change a heart and soul.
1 John 4:12 (NLT) No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
Galatians 6:2-3 (NLT) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
Hebrews 13:1-3 (NLT) Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.
