Do you ever feel like the Holy Spirit is urging you to reach out in some way to somebody? Maybe it's send a card, say hello, make a meal, shoot off a quick "How ya doing?" text or even pick up the phone and call. Maybe mow a lawn or stop by for a short visit. Whatever it is...just something that kindly connects and lets another know you are thinking about them and care.
Now, here's the harder question: Do you ever "poo poo" that idea, thinking, "Nnah, that person doesn't need or want anything. I don't want to intrude." or even, "They won't really want that or appreciate it." Maybe you think it's not God talking to you. Maybe you think, "I'm too busy or I'll do it later." I've been there! I've thought maybe someone didn't want an intrusion into their lives. Maybe they would think I was being too forward or pushy. Maybe my act (whatever that may be) would not really be welcome or they would think I'm being nosy. We sang a song in church on Sunday and one line jumped out to me that put this question into a perspective that I hadn't thought about.
"Show me who You are and fill me with Your heart, and lead me in Your love to those around me"
"Lead me in Your love to those around me." What a profound concept in these few little words. Wow. Who was Jesus? What did He do? How did He act towards those around Him? Son of God, Savior, God Himself. Helped people. With love and kindness. Right there, right then, I had the answer to all of the above excuses and nay sayings. When an act of kindness, small or large, hard or easy, comes to our minds, do it. Be obedient. It will never be wasted or unnoticed. Even if it is only seen by the Lord.
Jesus gave us an example in the way He lived. He also told us in Matthew 25:34-40 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. I like the way the Amplified Bible puts it. So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).
One can never go wrong with kindness. Whether it's from the Lord or not (and I don't believe the NOT at all lol) it's always a good thing. And if you are rejected? Well remember that Jesus Himself was rejected. When He blessed people with healing there were always the complainers, and criticizers. Look at Mark 6:1-6 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 3 Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Your kindnes may not be accepted, especially by those closest to you. But we build our lives on the love of Jesus and live our lives for Him. What people say or don't say, appreciate or don't even acknowledge is of no concern for us. We follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and let God handle the rest. For the most part, I believe people will accept and appreciate our kindnesses, And it will be a blessing for them. And we can never go wrong when we are following the example of Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and should characterize our lives.
Lord, let us not fear to be kind. Let us not let any excuse give us by the enemy cause us to not follow Your design for us. We are meant to be a blessing. We desire to be a blessing. Let Your light and love shine through us each day in all different ways. Help us to not worry about how we look, or whether we are appreciated or how others think about us. We get caught up in that trap far to often. We want to bring smiles to hearts and Your love to the lives around us. Lord, show us and fill us with Your heart for others, lead us in Your love to those around us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Just do it!
No comments:
Post a Comment