Care to spare a bit of kindness, anyone? from "His Kindness Year Round"

I was riding past a parking lot and saw a gentleman walking from his car to a building. He held his head high as he walked and entered the door.  Before going into the facility, he passed a group of teenagers standing very close by. He never glanced their way and appeared not to speak.  I find this very interesting, as the building was a church and the man, the minister.

How well do we rate on the scale of friendliness, especially and including those we don't know? Ever offer a simple smile or hello or brief conversation or compliment to those you come across in the grocery store or mall or a restaurant?  Do you ever go out of your way to let a server or manager or business employee know of exceptional service or appreciation?  Or taken a step further, do you take an occasional opportunity to do a kind deed for those you don't know – or those you do know, and go the extra step to show gratitude or an extension of kindness to brighten a person's day?  Do you know how to say "Please" and "Thank You"?  Are you a giver or receiver only? As in a recent conversation with a sister, you never know when a smile or simple gesture can make some one's day. 

James 2:19-20 “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.  Good for you!  Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.  How foolish!  Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?”

And one step further, do you ever look down upon people who may not look like you or dress like you or speak like you or act like you?

Ever recall references to Jesus sticking His head in the air to those lesser than He, the Messiah? (It doesn't take long to think on that question.) 

James 2:1-4 “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?  For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poorly and dressed in dirty clothes.  If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” – well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”

A brother in Christ shared his personal devotion with me several weeks ago about the abundant references of God's kindness and love and deeds to the not-so-popular, common man.  

We don't compare with His kindness or love, but do you consider yours adequate or lacking? The third annual "Be Extra Kind to Someone Day” (stay tuned!) will be arriving after Christmas. In the meantime, and I don't simply mean during the upcoming holidays, see how randomly kind you can be.  We all need to be blessed, and to also give blessings to others.  

Your sister in Him,

Robin