This week, I heard the roar of the garbage truck, and I realized that I had two blue recycling boxes, which they had emptied, to bring back into the garage.

I thought of our other house, before we moved, where every week, the boy next door always brought in my garbage containers for me. It was a small token of kindness, but even after ten years, I had not forgotten it.

Kindness is encouraged throughout the Bible.

Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV)

Are we forgetting kindness in our world today? Have you had an opportunity in a supermarket, on the highway, or in the neighbourhood to demonstrate the importance of kindness to a neighbour or a stranger?

Don't think that acts of kindness must be big. At the battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War, a general, noticing that a small bird had fallen from its nest, dismounted from his horse and very carefully picked the bird up and placed it back in the nest. Other people said, "How can you waste time with a bird in the middle of a great battle?"

He replied, "If someday I reach paradise, it will not be for the great battles I have won but for the small things, like saving this bird."

Why do we think all kindness needs to be big? Perhaps it's because of the importance of the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards us all.

Titus 3:4-5 – But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

Nevertheless, following His example in small acts of kindness, like bringing in my garbage containers, will be long remembered.

Prayer: O Lord, we long to grow in our faith and see You more clearly as we meditate on Scripture. May we not forget that our spirits must be fed and watered by Your Word every day. May we go forth, remembering Your commandments and showing our kindness towards all. Amen.

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About the author:

William Hamblen <whamblen@cogeco.ca>
Brockville, Ontario, Canada
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