Random Acts of Kindness

Random acts of kindness are just that: spreading kindness in random ways to brighten someone else's day. What are some random acts of kindness that have been performed upon you or vice versa?

We will be discussing John 15:9-17 this Sunday. Please continue memorizing and reviewing our Master Life Scriptures.

Check out the sermon teaser on "Ministry to Others."

Cleaning off the snow the other day, I noticed a car a couple of doors up being warmed. I quickly went down there to knock the snow and ice off the car before the lady came out to leave.
Found out a few days later it was greatly appreciated.

A guy pulled out in front of me on my way to work this morning... and I didn't chase him down, and beat him with a tire iron... does that count?

I see acts of kindness all of the time. I see people holding doors open, waving people into traffic on a busy street, a well placed smile, helping someone pick up dropped books or papers, etc.

It really can make your day when you are the 'victim' of a random act of kindness. We should strive to make it not so random, but consistent.

I heard about one little boy (we'll call him Steve) who heard about another little boy's terrible situation in life (we'll call him Chuck). Steve was moved by compassion for Chuck and sought to know what would gift Chuck would like to have. After some investigative work on Steve's part, the perfect gift was selected, a Christian movie on DVD. Steve used his own hard earned money ($15) to purchase the movie. Steve wrapped the gift carefully (as well as a little boy can wrap a gift) and gave it to Chuck's mother to be given to Chuck at Christmas. I do not believe that Chuck ever knew that it was Steve that purchased the gift for him! WOW. If elementary boys can do this kind of thing, why don't I get more involved?

Selfishness. At least for me. I may see someone pulled over with their hood up, and my thought process usually goes something like:

Poor guy, he's getting rained on.

Boy, I sure am close to being late for work.

I don't know anything about cars.

I don't have a cell phone, and I am not sure that anyone would be listening to the ham radio...

he probably has a cell phone...

I am sure someone will stop for him...

boy he sure looks small in my rear view mirror...

...

It all stems from not wanting to burden myself. Not just in the preceding circumstance, but in most opportunities to lend a hand.

I am sure that in my selfishness, I don't even notice a lot of chances to help someone out, or be kind to them. We get in such a hurry that we overlook the needs of others.

What gets us out of our spiritual malaise?

Good question. It may be just going out, and doing something nice. I think good deeds are contagious. If I can brighten someones day, even with a small act, they will be more likely to do the same for someone else. I am not sure if you have seen the movie "Pay it Forward", but it kind of follows that premise.

I think that both of us being on here at the same time, might make for a narrower topic of discussion.

I just came back from St. John's Hospital -- visiting Josh Mouton. My deed of visitation was quite small in comparison to the bigger picture. My observation of Leonard brushing Josh's hair, wiping drool from Josh's lips, changing the position of Josh's arms for blood flow, stretching out Josh's legs -- these are truly acts of kindness. Yes, Leonard is compensated for his efforts -- but seeing Leonard's eyes and slow, caring movements -- you know the tasks are done from brotherly love! Please keep the Mouton family in your prayers.

Wow- what sincere love, what kindness, what conviction for me to do more for Him!