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 warm hearted towards others. A kind person has a gentle nature, is always ready to help others and is occupied with finding ways to bring happiness to others. Doesn’t that just sound like Jesus? My childhood Sunday school song said 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. Kindness is a matter of the heart; it tells so much about the state of a person’s heart, whether they are tender hearted or mean spirited. A heart that cannot be moved to kindness is a heart that cannot be moved by God.
These natives of Malta as we read in today’s passage had never met Paul and his group, but by the written law of kindness on their unregenerate hearts, they knew it was unnatural to not help those in need. So they showed UNUSUAL KINDNESS by kindling a fire to keep them warm after a shipwreck, the pouring rain and the cold. They made them welcome; perhaps, by preparing a nice meal, through a warm reception, or by giving them shelter and/or clothing. All of these done by ‘heathens’ to a people they never knew.
We should as Christians be challenged by the level of kindness these heathens displayed. The bible says it was unusual; that is, rare, unexpected, remarkable, extraordinary and surprising. If we have the Holy Spirit within us, then we should do better.
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? Do you seek ways to bring happiness to others? Don’t send that SMS to ‘wash that person down’, show kindness instead. Refuse to be that short-fused, irritable and unpleasant husband, wife, manager, staff, friend or teacher. Show a little kindness. Let your words be flavored with grace, lend a helping hand, give without expecting in return, and don’t defame people. Let kindness mark your words and deeds! BE JESUS TODAY!
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Acts 10:38, Job 6:13, & Ephesians 4:29-32
REFLECTION
Think on today’s devotional and make the necessary adjustments and improvements where you need to as regards 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