Show Kindness
by Judy Dappen
Read - Luke 6:35-36
Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
Over the last few years school yard fences have been displaying signs that say “Be Kind”. I'm not sure where the idea came from, but the idea seemed to catch on. If it were up to me, I would plaster the sign on every building and school fence just to remind people that showing kindness is such an intentional way to live one's life.
A recent television news show told the story of a young African American couple who saw an elderly white man outside their house in the freezing cold. Without thinking “should I or—shouldn't I”, the young mother (let's call her Marian) brought the man into her home. She tried to get an ambulance, but the severe weather did not permit one from coming to the home. The family did all they could for the man until an ambulance was available, and then Marian went to the hospital with him. As a result of this kindness—bringing him into their home and being with him during his hospital stay-- Marian's family has adopted the man and formed a very satisfying and friendly relationship.
Luke's scripture speaks to the message that Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves and that by doing so, we show the same kindness that the Father shows to us. Kindness must be taught to us as young people whether it is in our home, our church, or school. There is a song whose message says, “We have to be carefully taught.” We are so blessed when God puts role models in our path to teach us the importance of showing kindness. Jesus did not die on the cross without first teaching us how to show care to others. It is only by serving others that we know the full meaning of kindness and the beauty of lasting friendships.
Pray:
Lord, help us to be kind to each other. May we follow the example that you have set for us, and love generously and graciously. Amen.
A recent television news show told the story of a young African American couple who saw an elderly white man outside their house in the freezing cold. Without thinking “should I or—shouldn't I”, the young mother (let's call her Marian) brought the man into her home. She tried to get an ambulance, but the severe weather did not permit one from coming to the home. The family did all they could for the man until an ambulance was available, and then Marian went to the hospital with him. As a result of this kindness—bringing him into their home and being with him during his hospital stay-- Marian's family has adopted the man and formed a very satisfying and friendly relationship.
Luke's scripture speaks to the message that Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves and that by doing so, we show the same kindness that the Father shows to us. Kindness must be taught to us as young people whether it is in our home, our church, or school. There is a song whose message says, “We have to be carefully taught.” We are so blessed when God puts role models in our path to teach us the importance of showing kindness. Jesus did not die on the cross without first teaching us how to show care to others. It is only by serving others that we know the full meaning of kindness and the beauty of lasting friendships.
Pray:
Lord, help us to be kind to each other. May we follow the example that you have set for us, and love generously and graciously. Amen.
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