Just Simple act of Kindness

 

James 2:1-5

1. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

3. And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4. Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Maybe when we read this scripture, we think that it is not directed to us because we don't do what the scripture is condemning, but wait a minute - please read through. We may not tell the poor person to sit under our feet or stand outside literally, but we act or do some things that suggest that.

• People usually come to church well groomed and very smart, but imagine a situation where somebody who is roughly dressed and dirty appears and sits in church. In so many instances, the facial expressions people make clearly show that they don't feel comfortable, they keep turning their heads and staring at that person as if to suggest something is wrong. Who said that only the mouth talks, even the facial expressions talks too and clearly shows what thoughts are running across the mind.

•  Refer to Luke 7:39  Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. The Pharisee's attitude was that he was more righteous that the woman who was crying before Jesus. Let us see others as creation of God, and candidates of salvation even when they are not saved yet. Even the worst sinner can respond to love, and change and get reformed. For the power of love is explosive like a dynamite and nobody can resist it’s blast.

• God is very much concerned on how we treat others and how we wrongly judge them. Just like God is not a respector of persons, we Christians need to have the same mind, the mind of God. We should not respect people because of their status in the society, but we should love and treasure them because they are God's creation. We should love and be merciful to all irrespective of their appearances, knowing that God has chosen the poor, rich in faith, to be heirs of His kingdom also, even those whom some among their brethren despised and oppressed. Showing kindness to the poor does not hurt. Relating and helping them shows that you have respect for God. On the other hand, not helping the poor and behaving as if we are important than them, dis-respects God who has brought them in existence.

• If you are looking for someone to help, go to the poor, because when you do, you will not expect something in return. When I say helping them, I don't necessarily mean financial assistance (though it would also come in handy), but becoming their friends, encouraging them, calling them, praying for them, listening to them, visiting them, giving them a smile, brightening their lives, showing them kindness, the list is endless.  So many times we don't want to be associated or even to socialize with the lowly, we look for people who are in our 'class'. The bible is very clear about this and even calls it a sin according to James 2:9. God loves the poor and the needy, He is very displeased when we ignore them. Helping and appreciating the poor is a service to God, and God looks with favour to those who do it. Refer to Acts 10:1-4 and see that simple acts of kindness can open new doors for God to bless you, your family and your future generations, because it provokes God into action.
  
• Partiality spirit is unfortunately working in churches and in families too. Parents are also guilty of favouring some children and leaving others out because of their performance in school or in life, causing some to suffer rejection instead of receiving love in their families. Some Pastors categorize their members as big and small, showing regard to the rich and despising the poor; God forbid that this should happen in the house of God. We are all children of God irrespective of of our social status. All of us according to psalms 139:14, are wonderfully and fearfully made.
  
• Ask yourself today, when you see people, do you categorize them according to where they live, how they are dressed, their rank, their age, their gender, their appearances, their looks, their tribe? Do you either include or exclude them quietly (thought-wise and action-wise) based on these things?
  
• All of us are important before God and no one is more important than the other. Next time you meet that street boy, or that street family , or a sick man, or a physically challenged person, remember the kindness of God, who loved us unconditionally when we were yet sinners and gave His only begotten Son to die for us. Show them kindness on your Father's behalf because your Father is a kind God.

 

Please contribute to simple acts of kindness that you can show to people and how you can cultivate the character of kindness through this blog  by clicking comment at the end of this article and God will bless you.