Acts For Every Day!

Though the truth of God needs to be acknowledged because it is of eternal significance, there are those who do not fully acknowledge that truth who are still involved in good works that do make a difference in the lives of others. I was reminded of this recently as I talked with a self-professed atheist. He was interested in my view of involvement with the community and though there were many things on which we saw eye to eye, we did ultimately agree the desire to reach out to help others was based on different foundations. He felt compelled to see how he could help others based on the laws of nature and the connections associated with that, while my desire to serve is based on the truth God is the Creator of all things and the value of every soul is to be acknowledged. Though his belief system did not include God, he was not antagonistic toward what I believe and did acknowledge the benefit I as a Christian have to offer this community.

Even in the midst of the challenges brought about by worldly philosophies, there are some ideas which circulate that are still a sign of good hearts. One of those urgings is that of practicing "RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS." However, I would submit that is it not possible for those ACTS OF KINDNESS to become so random that they are rare? ACTS OF KINDNESS ought to be a part of everyday life.

In Paul's letter to Titus we read. . .
"(4) But when THE GOODNESS AND LOVING KINDNESS OF GOD our Savior appeared, (5) he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own MERCY, by the washing of regeneration and RENEWAL of the Holy Spirit, (5) whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, (7) so that being justified by his GRACE we might become heirs according to the HOPE of eternal life." ( Titus 3:4-7 ESV)

Where would we be without the LOVING KINDNESS OF GOD? His KINDNESS is the result of His mercy and grace with the benefits of renewal and eternal hope! Does that reality have a daily impact on our life? Has that LOVING KINDNESS been expressed only for us?

God has set the standard as Paul exhorted. . .
"(32) BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, AS GOD IN CHRIST FORGAVE YOU." ( Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

And Paul urged Timothy. . .
"(24) And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but KIND TO EVERYONE, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, (25) correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, (26) and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." ( 2 Timothy 2:24-26 ESV)

"KIND" could be translated "gentle" here in verse 24, but do we see what the ultimate aim of such action is? May the KINDNESS we have received from God compel us toward KINDNESS to others with the hope they will ultimately acknowledge what the LOVING KINDNESS OF GOD is truly all about.

Have a great day WITH GOD'S KINDNESS WORKING THROUGH OUR LIVES!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Kindness