Kindness – The Simplest Act Of All

Acts 20:24 – But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about God's wonderful kindness and love. (NLT)

Romans 12:8 – If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (NLT)

Kindness takes only a moment. Often, kindness does not involve work, or money, or even a huge commitment to bettering the world.

So why do we not engage in this simple act of beauty more often? I don't know.

Kindness is picking up the phone and calling a friend or a relative who is sad, lonely, or depressed, and saying cheerfully, "I am thinking good thoughts about you," and then simply listening to them.

Kindness is the cost of a pretty card and a stamp to send a quick note of encouragement to a person that we have not thought of in a while.

Kindness is showing up to a church or charity function and uttering those magical words, "How can I help?"

Kindness is stopping on the street when we see someone in distress and saying, "May I help you in any way?"

Kindness is the price of a bunch of flowers, and a surprise half-hour visit to an elderly or ill person.

Kindness is placing a fresh, nutritious sandwich into the cap of a person on the street, who is begging for money.

Each of us has the capacity to come up with thousands of ideas of ways by which we can simply, easily, and inexpensively brighten someone's day. Remember that God brightens every one of our days by giving us food, health, love, and the very capacity to share our good fortune. But it is up to each of us to worship God by acting on that impulse to share.

Prayer: Dear God, open our eyes to the endless possibilities in front of us to make our corner of the world a better place. Give us the strength we need to carry our own burdens even as we help to shoulder the burdens of others. We pray that You will make us a small light in the world, and a force for kindness, goodness, and charity, that we may ever share with others the blessings You have given to us. In Your name. Amen.