Have you ever thought about the people who were kind to you when you were a child? Or maybe as a young person struggling to make sense of your life? Perhaps you had to go through a time of heartache and grief and there were people who stood by you in difficult times. We never forget those people. They are vessels of God’s love and care in our lives. We were able to recognize the goodness of God because His goodness flowed through them.
Beth Moore, in her latest book, relates how she had a difficult childhood. Her father was abusive, and her mother was mentally ill. Her home was not a haven for her. However, there was a local church which welcomed her and loved her. I am sure she could tell you their names today—she never forgot those kind folks. The people in that little church loved her into the Kingdom and stood by her when times were very tough. She gave her life to Jesus and today is influencing countless people to turn to Jesus.
Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit that comes from love. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). We show that love for one another by being kind. When Christians love each other, the world will believe our message. People are longing for someone to care and love them. “A Revival of Kindness,” would mean that we devote ourselves to the qualities of being friendly, generous, caring, helpful, and considerate. Your kind actions are what will value and benefit others. Kindness is given without expecting anything in return. It is given freely, to encourage and build up others. God uses it to bless and transform the lives of you and others.
Several pastors have been praying for a movement of God–a revival in our community and in the churches of McMinnville. By revival we mean a revitalization of life and enthusiasm. As we have prayed, we believe now is the time that God wants to pour out the Holy Spirit and answer our prayers. It is through our kindness and compassion that we can show God’s goodness to our town and lost humanity. We need a “revival of kindness”.
God is love, and the fruit of the Spirit is all about God’s character of love. Kindness is one of the fruits. We show that love for one another by being kind. “A Revival of Kindness,” would mean that we devote ourselves to the qualities of being friendly, generous, caring, helpful, and considerate. Your kind actions are what will value and benefit others. Kindness is given without expecting anything in return. It is given freely, to encourage and build-up others. God use it to bless and transform the lives of you and others.
Paul in Romans 2:4 tells us that it is the kindness and the goodness of God that leads to repentance. God uses the fruit of kindness and goodness to change us. The Holy Spirit then provides the power, the conviction, and the direction to change our lives. Kindness has brought more people to God than argument, reason, persuasiveness, or education. Kindness and goodness are what makes the Gospel attractive, and that is why it leads to repentance. Many times, it is the acts of kindness and caring that change a person’s life. Kindness can change the world. In a hard, cruel world, kindness stands out. A good and holy man has always been known for his kindness. Every day we have a choice whether to ask the Lord to help us to be kind to one another and to help us to do and speak words of kindness. Kindness can be expressed in a smile, a word, a listening ear, an honest compliment. Even the smallest act of caring will bless others. Note that Jesus was our example of being kind and went around doing good. Kindness, goodness and mercy travel together.
Kindness is the practice or expression of helpfulness, goodness, generosity, and mercy. Jesus illustrated kindness in the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” But the good Samaritan reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?” Being kind, will make you a Kind and good person.
Kindness is also good for you when you practice it. It has been shown to increase your self-esteem, empathy, and compassion, and it will improve your mood. It can decrease high blood pressure and calm anxiety. Kindness can increase your connection with others, and it is contagious. Kindness makes people healthier and can lead to longer lives. There is an inner change of heart that produces the fruits of a new behavior.
One youth group recently started recruiting teens to get on the ARK. You get on the ARK with “Acts of Random Kindness,” so you can weather the storms of life. Many times, acts of random kindness cost nothing and take little time. Here are some suggestions and you can surely think of many others:
When walking down the street, greet others with a smile.
Call someone on the phone with whom you have lost touch.
Send a card to someone who is shut in or hurting.
Congratulate someone on an accomplishment, even if it’s a small one.
Celebrate birthdays with a card or a call.
Help a mother with a small child load groceries into her car.
Tell someone her hair looks great.
Listen to your companion, giving your full attention.
Pay for the coffee or fast food of the person behind you in line.
As we prepare the atmosphere through a revival of kindness and goodness, God said He would bring people to repentance. With our prayers and humility, God will be glorified. For every great movement of God can be traced Christians praying. Pray with me that we will do our part for “A Revival of Kindness” in the lives of Christians.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14–16).
McMinnville Ministerial Association
jdh@faithencounter.org
John David Hicks, Prayer Chairman
GOD’S WILL FOR YOU TODAY
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:16–19).
1. Rejoice Always, Sparks – Peace
2. Pray Continually, Sparks – Faith
3. Give Thanks in all Circumstances, Sparks – Joy
4. God’s Will in Christ, Sparks – Fellowship
5. Do not quench the Spirit Blessing you!