Acts of Kindness

Years ago, my wife and I were dropping off a present to one of our Pastors during the Christmas season. My wife had convinced me that we should provide a $100 gift card to them (sometimes my generosity needs some nudging). As we left their doorstep after delivering the gift, the Pastor’s wife handed us a small basket of gifts. While unexpected, it felt nice to be appreciated.

Driving away, I was feeling pretty good about myself. Not only had we done a good deed, but we had certainly outgifted them! As my wife explored their small gift basket, she came across a card addressed to us from them. Upon opening it, she found a gift card in the amount of $100! I sheepishly smiled to myself as God exposed the small amount of pride I had harbored. My generosity had been reluctant. My motivation had contained elements of superiority. I still had a lot to learn. 

This month, Crosshill Christian is focusing on the Fruit of the Spirit of Kindness. At a recent chapel, a fun “Pay it Forward” skit with teachers introduced three general categories of kindness.

Being kind to others when they are kind first (a great starting point, though rather easy).
Being kind to others spontaneously with no prompting (requires greater intentionality and an exercise of sacrificial love). 
Choosing to be kind to others when it costs something significant (requires tremendous maturity and faith).

God’s kindness toward us is immeasurable. He chose to create us in His own image and send His son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful to His promises. His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance and a lifestyle worthy of His image.

Our desire as a Christian community is to allow God’s infinite kindness to invade our hearts and become the consistent source of our actions. God’s kindness comes from a position of strength and power, and that same power can be made perfect in any and all of our weaknesses. 

My wife continues to be the most generous gift-giver in our house. I continue to grow in my cheerful generosity and deep kindness to others. Fortunately for all of us, God’s design for community provides the opportunity to model our lives after those who arrive quicker at God’s design. Please continue to pray for our campus and our homes this month so that God’s fruit through His Spirit is always in season!