RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
"Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha: this woman was ABOUNDING with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did." Acts 9:36
Now there is a great epitaph for a tombstone: "Here lies Doug who was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which he did continually." Kindness is one of virtues which is becoming a lost art in our me-mine society. When someone does a random act of kindness for us, we almost get skeptical, asking the question, "I wonder what they want?" or "Who are they trying to impress?" "They must be up to something ..."
Kindness is one of the virtues that Peter instructs us to apply to our lives (2 Peter 2:7) and is coupled with the virtue of love. Peter strongly admonishes that without these virtues we are considered "blind or short-sighted" (2 Peter 2:9)
So where has all the kindness gone? Are random acts of kindness just for the women? No! One of the marks of a true FREEDOM FIGHTER is a man of kindness. It really isn't all that hard, guys. With just a little creativity, you can become known as a kind man. That isn't a whimpy, "Casper-Milk Toast" kind of quality. It is one that will make you stick out and have people scratching their heads. Your random acts of kindness can be the springboard for sharing the hope that is within you.
What is a "random act of kindness?" It can be anything from picking up the phone to encourage a brother who is hurting, to physically doing something to help someone just for the sake of helping him. Here's a definition I found this morning on the internet: "A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities."
I laughed at the illustration they cited as a RAK. We used to do this before E-Z Pass and before tolls were so outrageous -- paying the toll for the car behind you. We had so much fun doing that! People really thought you were nuts. But you get the point -- doing a random act of kindness is something that can be a "day-maker" in someone's life.
If you really want to get the most out of doing a random act of kindness, do it anonymously! During Lindsay's sickness, someone sent postcards everyday with no signatures -- just plain post cards with Bible verses and encouraging words. It drove the kids crazy trying to figure out who was sending them, but it sure made a difference.
The list is endless, but it is worth it. Will you be known as a man whose life was abounding (to be in great number or amount) in kindness and love? Here's what I'd like you to do. It has been a long time since I have heard from some of you. Send me your ideas for ways to demonstrate kindness and I will start posting them. Let me hear from you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Job 17-19; Acts 10:1-23
Think About this: "Make it a rule, and pray to God to help you keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: "If have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day." -- Charles Kingsley
"Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha: this woman was ABOUNDING with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did." Acts 9:36
Now there is a great epitaph for a tombstone: "Here lies Doug who was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which he did continually." Kindness is one of virtues which is becoming a lost art in our me-mine society. When someone does a random act of kindness for us, we almost get skeptical, asking the question, "I wonder what they want?" or "Who are they trying to impress?" "They must be up to something ..."
Kindness is one of the virtues that Peter instructs us to apply to our lives (2 Peter 2:7) and is coupled with the virtue of love. Peter strongly admonishes that without these virtues we are considered "blind or short-sighted" (2 Peter 2:9)
So where has all the kindness gone? Are random acts of kindness just for the women? No! One of the marks of a true FREEDOM FIGHTER is a man of kindness. It really isn't all that hard, guys. With just a little creativity, you can become known as a kind man. That isn't a whimpy, "Casper-Milk Toast" kind of quality. It is one that will make you stick out and have people scratching their heads. Your random acts of kindness can be the springboard for sharing the hope that is within you.
What is a "random act of kindness?" It can be anything from picking up the phone to encourage a brother who is hurting, to physically doing something to help someone just for the sake of helping him. Here's a definition I found this morning on the internet: "A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities."
I laughed at the illustration they cited as a RAK. We used to do this before E-Z Pass and before tolls were so outrageous -- paying the toll for the car behind you. We had so much fun doing that! People really thought you were nuts. But you get the point -- doing a random act of kindness is something that can be a "day-maker" in someone's life.
If you really want to get the most out of doing a random act of kindness, do it anonymously! During Lindsay's sickness, someone sent postcards everyday with no signatures -- just plain post cards with Bible verses and encouraging words. It drove the kids crazy trying to figure out who was sending them, but it sure made a difference.
The list is endless, but it is worth it. Will you be known as a man whose life was abounding (to be in great number or amount) in kindness and love? Here's what I'd like you to do. It has been a long time since I have heard from some of you. Send me your ideas for ways to demonstrate kindness and I will start posting them. Let me hear from you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
God's WORD for YOU: Job 17-19; Acts 10:1-23
Think About this: "Make it a rule, and pray to God to help you keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: "If have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day." -- Charles Kingsley
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