“Charity suffereth long, and is kind…” 1 Cor. 13:4
A small elderly lady visited her local post office frequently. She had been doing business there for many years, and, although a few workers had come and gone, the post office remained a place for her to interact with other people in her town. One day the line for the counter backed up almost to the door. As the older woman was standing in line, she struck up a conversation with the young lady in front of her. After some introductory formalities the younger woman asked the old lady what her business was at the post office on that day. “I have come to purchase some stamps to send a few letters to my family.” “Did you know there is a stamp machine in the lobby from which you can purchase your stamps?” asked the young woman. “You don’t have to stand in this long line.” The older lady looked down at her letters then back up at the young lady as she replied, “I could save some time, but the machine won’t ask me how my arthritis is.”
Many people today want so badly to be shown kindness. You know those people who talk on and on about a recent ailment, the condition of a family member, or about their latest adventures? So often they do so in hopes that someone will care about what they have to say and will show them kindness.While our world thrives on the hustle and bustle of daily events, God desires that we would take time to display kindness.—–
How often do you display kindness? How often do you stop what you are doing and take time to meet the need of someone else? Displaying kindness will cost you something. Whether it’s time, money, or physical work, showing kindness may require your giving up something so that others can be helped.
Think of the kindness (consideration, help) Christ showed you. He gave up His home in Heaven. He entered sinful earth. He lived among scornful people. He endured the hardships of everyday life. He was rejected and despised. He was mocked and belittled. He was condemned and crucified. He gave of Himself so that we might be free from the penalty of sin. What a perfect display of loving kindness!
What have you given up lately in order to show kindness to others? It may have been money to buy someone a meal, time to labor in someone’s yard, or an hour to listen to someone’s heartache. Displaying kindness will often cost you something, but there is no price too great to pay to show Christ-like loving kindness to others.(From Daily in the Word)
