And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome… – Acts 28:2
REFERENCE
Acts 27:41-28:2
Kindness is being considerate, tender, or warmhearted towards others. A kind person has a gentle nature, is always ready to help others, and occupies himself with finding ways to bring happiness to others. Doesn’t that sound like Jesus? As a kid, we sang in Sunday school about Jesus: “Everywhere He went, He was doing good….” He was tender, warm, ready to do a favor, and was about alleviating the burdens of others. His kindness was incomparable.
Kindness is a matter of the heart; it reveals the state of a person’s heart, whether tender or mean-spirited. A heart that cannot be moved by kindness is a heart that God cannot move. Kindness is the ability to speak with love, listen with patience, and act with compassion. It is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.
These natives of Malta, in today’s passage, never met Paul and his group of travelers, but by the written law of kindness on their unregenerate hearts, they knew it was unnatural not to help those in need. So they showed UNUSUAL KINDNESS by kindling a fire to keep them warm after a shipwreck, the rain, and the cold. They welcomed them by preparing a nice meal, through a warm reception, or by giving them shelter and clothing.
The people who did all this to Paul were heathens who had never met him. The magnitude of love and kindness shown by these heathens should provoke us as Christians. The Bible says it was unusual; that is, rare, infrequent, unexpected, remarkable, extraordinary, and surprising. If we have the Holy Spirit, we should do better. We should ask for the Spirit’s help.
Are you kind to the people who work for you? When last did you do a kind deed to someone undeserving? Will your spouse or friends describe you as kind? Are your words harsh, or are they soothing? Seek ways to bring happiness to others. Refuse to be that short-fused, irritable, and unpleasant husband, wife, manager, staff, friend, or teacher. Show a little kindness; flavor your words with grace, lend a helping hand, and give without expecting in return. Let kindness mark your words and deeds! BE JESUS TODAY!
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY: A
Acts 10:38, Job 6:13, and Ephesians 4:29-32
REFLECTION
Consider today’s devotional and make the necessary adjustments and improvements where you need to regarding showing kindness to others as God would want you to do.
Kindness kindles a fire.
It is stepping out of your way.
#alittlekindness #steppingout #kindnesskindles
May my words heal not defame, may my smile make someone’s day, Lord help me to minister Grace to someone today, May my touch make a patient feel better in Jesus name.
Lord may every word that proceed out/ from my mouth be seasoned .
I will speak the right words even when I’m not expected to. I will show kindness even to my perceived enemies.I will demonstrate kindness much more than the unbelievers. So, help me God.
Lord, help to show unusual kindness like the heathens displayed and the grace to do more, even unto those I feel are undeserving.
Amen.
There is no such thing as being too nice or kind. This world needs an extra serving of nice, kind, patient & tolerance. Who better to show people than us believers?
Lord I ask for the grace to always be kind in my words & deeds in Jesus name. Amen.
Help Lord! Let my heart awash with bowels of your kindness, especially to the undeserving in Jesus name, Amen