A Kindness!

In Acts 3:1-10 we read of an occasion when Peter and John went to the temple to pray, encountering a lame man on the way. This man -- who had been lame from birth -- was left by the gate of the temple on a daily basis where he would ask for alms from those entering the temple. When Peter gained this man's attention, HIS EXPECTATION WAS MONEY, but what he ended up receiving was FAR GREATER THAN THE EXPECTATION. We read. . .

"(6) But Peter said, 'I HAVE NO SILVER AND GOLD, BUT WHAT I DO HAVE I GIVE TO YOU. IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, RISE UP AND WALK!' (7) And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. (8) And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, WALKING AND LEAPING AND PRAISING GOD." ( Acts 3:6-8 ESV)

What a gift! What a kindness! How IMPACTING BEYOND THIS MAN'S EXPECTATION! He actually received what money could never have bought.

It has been told that the great Russian writer, Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy (1828-1910) was walking along a street one day when he was stopped by a man begging for money. After searching his pockets for a coin and finding he had none, he regretfully said, "Please don't be angry with me, my brother, but I have nothing with me. If I did I would gladly give it to you." The beggar's face lit up as he responded, "You have given me more than I asked for. You have called me brother."

This beggar received what he acknowledged as a statement of equality among humanity as a gift! It was a kind expression. It IMPACTED BEYOND HIS EXPECTATION! It appears to have given him a sense of acceptance and belonging. That is a powerful gift; one that money cannot buy!

Though the ways in which kindness is shown may vary greatly, the manner in which we relate to others can be MORE IMPACTING than we at first recognize. We should not neglect to help in practical ways that may include the giving of money when we have it to give, but simply how we come across to others can be quite powerful.

Solomon stated. . .
"(31) WHOEVER OPPRESSES A POOR MAN INSULTS HIS MAKER, but he who is generous to the needy honors him." ( Proverbs 14:31 ESV)

Then a few chapters later we read. . .
"(5) WHOEVER MOCKS THE POOR INSULTS HIS MAKER; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished." ( Proverbs 17:5 ESV)

Do we acknowledge humanity as being from one Maker Who desires for their life and soul to be valued? How we treat others reflects our view of God. Does our life exude an aura of superiority or an acknowledgement of being another human being seeking God's help to make it through the varied challenges of this realm whether they be physical or spiritual?

In Paul's Galatian letter we read. . .
"(10) So then, AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY, let us DO GOOD TO EVERYONE, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." ( Galatians 6:10 ESV)

And to the church at Thessalonica he exhorted. . .
"(15) See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but ALWAYS SEEK TO DO GOOD TO ONE ANOTHER AND TO EVERYONE." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV)

Though there is a specialness relative to our relationships within the Body of Christ, we are still exhorted to do good and be kind to everyone. Whatever those actions or words are has the potential to IMPACT BEYOND THE EXPECTATION and ultimately draw into a closer relationship with the Maker of us all. May He be glorified in the manner in which we relate to those around us.

Have a great day EXTENDING THE KINDNESS WE OURSELVES HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Kindness