A La Carte Christianity — Tuesday
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV)
Kindness goes a long way. That’s a simple statement, but it carries a lot of weight. There are so many hurting, broken people in the world, and sometimes, all it takes is a little kindness to remind someone that they’re seen and they’re valued.
In Matthew 8, Jesus is approached by a man with leprosy, a disease that was considered “unclean.” Those with leprosy were avoided and completely isolated from the rest of the people. Yet this man, in his faith, came close to Jesus to ask for healing. Despite knowing the societal stigma attached to those with this disease, Jesus not only talks to him but touches him and heals him. His reaction wasn’t to back away or ignore the man. Instead, His heart was filled with kindness and compassion for him. Imagine what this man must have felt—not only the joy because of being healed, but the value that Jesus’ reaction gave him!
Serving each other with kindness is something Jesus modeled that we can take part in as well, and it doesn’t always have to be in large, grand gestures. Sometimes a smile is all someone needs, just to be acknowledged. The world around us is full of division and animosity, yet we are called to promote unity and be a light to those around us.
The next time you see someone eating alone in a restaurant, consider buying their meal. The next time you’re on a plane or in line next to someone who seems to want to talk, have a conversation with them and really listen. The next time you see someone struggling with their bags at the grocery, offer to help them. Hold the door for someone. Send an encouraging text or note to friends, family, teachers, or co-workers.
There are endless ways to show the same kindness and compassion Jesus did throughout His ministry, and they have the potential to be life-giving! Instead of going about our days focused on to-do lists or being inconvenienced by others, look at the world through the eyes of Jesus and ask the question, “What would Jesus do?”
Tuesday’s Reflection
Take some time to pray that God would show you ways to be kind to others. Don’t seek recognition for it. Just do it out of an overflowing heart, knowing that God has been kind to you time and time again, and you can give some of that to the people around you.