RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

"Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

"BE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER" is one of the first verses we teach our children. It is a concept that even a child can understand. However, we do have to TEACH kindness. It doesn't just happen. But it is easily learned and easily taught.

Sadly, in our day and time, kindness is often in short supply. Everyone is out for #1, self-absorbed, and with little time for others. Yet, Jesus has commanded us to "be kind".

We have the opportunity every day to obey that command by offering to others random acts of kindness. Random acts of kindness are those little things you do, often unnoticed, but important nonetheless. Helping someone just because you can, not because you have to. A "spur of the moment" response to a need.

It can be as little as letting someone with only one or two items go ahead of you in line. My mother has often done this and when they thank her she always says "Just repay the favor when you have the opportunity." Sort of like "Pay it forward" . It can be opening the door for someone who has their hands full or making a space for someone who is trying to get out of a parking lot or who needs to change lanes in traffic.

It can be cutting a neighbor's yard who is ill or unable to do so. Maybe it's sharing from your garden with someone you know is laid off from work or has been ill. Just dropping it on their porch with no fanfare, just a kindness from the heart.

A friend of ours suffered a loss this past week of enormous proportions. His son and his wife lost their baby at 23 weeks. This man lost his first grandchild. His heart was aching for his own loss, but doubly hurt for his son. He needed to be there with him, but as we all know, plane fares have gone out the roof. Longing to be with his son, knowing he NEEDED to be with his son, someone made it possible for him. They had the means and they provided for him. A random act of kindness.

What can you do today as a random act of kindness? Ask God to give you an opportunity to show kindness to someone who needs HIS touch today. Ask Him to make YOU His instrument.