When People Are Kind In a corrosive world how can we be like Jesus? We focus on being in a kinder, gentler place of forgiveness and grace.
I received this note from a lady named Rebecca. Some time ago, I must have come into the office to pick up some paperwork to complete while I was at home sick. Perhaps it was the flu or something else. I don’t remember. What I do remember is that when I collected the stack of papers, there was a yellow sticky note from Rebecca that simply said, “I am thinking about you and praying for you.”
Kindness in Small Packages
What a thought to share with someone. No strings attached; just pure kindness that warms the heart. Her act of kindness gave me a sense of being connected to someone who cared. After all, she took the time to let me know that she was thinking and praying for me. And she didn’t have to do it.
That note now occupies a permanent place in my mind. When I think of kindness that comes in small packages, this note sticks to my memory. Who would have known that her words would remind me of her kindness day after day and year after year. Her act probably took 30 seconds and now it is a permanent fixture. It constantly reminds me of what sticky notes of kindness can do.
God’s Kindness Toward Us
I often think about God’s kindness toward us. Sometimes, He drops sticky notes of kindness in our lives through other people. Sometimes it is an unexpected smile, or maybe someone gives us a bite to eat when we have no food; or maybe kindness comes as a word of encouragement.
Other times, God’s kindness might be given to us in nature. Early morning sunrises can deliver the gift of colors so brilliant that it turns everything colorful. The sound of the waves rolling back and forth across a sandy beach can help us relax and leave our busy worlds behind… even if it is just for a moment. And what about a row of jagged peaks high in a mountain range? They cause us to pause and marvel at their majesty.
David Praises God
The Bible tells a story of a man named David who understood how to find God’s sticky notes of kindness in his life. Picture this: David is somewhere in the middle of the Wilderness of Judah and he writes a beautiful Psalm to God.
I’m not too sure what triggered his thoughts. Perhaps it was shimmering stars or the bright glow of the moon. Or, maybe he reflected on God coming through for him in his battle with Goliath. Or perhaps someone gave him a drink of water when he was thirsty. Whatever it was, David must have been overwhelmed with the kindness of God. David writes, “Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise you.” (Psalm 63:3 NASB)
Wow! David stops long enough from all the craziness in his life to look at God’s kindness and declares that it is better than life itself. Then David utters his reason for praising God. Kindness. The kindness of God is directly related to David lifting his hands toward heaven and giving God praise.
God’s Gift of Love
Like David, I find the kindness of God to be overwhelming. Whether it comes as a sticky note, a juicy peach or a hug, I am overjoyed with the beauty I find in these moments. However, one of the biggest moments of kindness I find is the gift of love, acceptance and forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ.
This kind act boggles my mind; overwhelms me. How can He give His life to pay the penalty of my sins and now I live free? I have no answers to explain this gift of love wrapped in kindness, but I do know that it is better than life. It is better than any gift of kindness that I have ever known or will ever know. God’s sticky notes of kindness are everywhere and when I discover them, like David, I want to praise him with my lips for every one of them.
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