Kindness is a gift
I recently watched an old episode of The Andy Griffith Show called, “Dogs, Dogs, Dogs” in which Andy Taylor’s young son Opie was kind to a little dog. He fed and loved on him, but one day the dog took off. Soon enough though, the dog showed up with a few of his pals…dogs of various sizes. Opie was excited and proceeded to feed and play with the 10 or so dogs. Opie’s dad (who is the sheriff of the town) and his deputy knew that Opie could not keep the dogs, and tried to find their real owner. After several failed attempts, they brought all the dogs back to the sheriff’s office to avoid a thunderstorm. Later in the show, Opie and his dad find the dog’s owner and return the canines.
When I think about Opie, I am reminded that kindness often results in a positive response. Someone is helped or cared for. A gift is given. An encouraging word is spoken. A gesture is acknowledged and received. A response of thanks may or may not result, but that does not diminish the act of kindness in the first place.
I do not know how you feel about being kind, but Scripture indicates the apostle Paul was inspired by God to write, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Read 4:32 in the broader context of Ephesians 4:22-32, to see how Paul described the radical life of followers of Jesus. When you treat people in a loving way, even if or when they do not deserve it, you are living the kind of life Jesus called you to. In addition, you are showing evidence of the Holy Spirit in you. Galatians 5:22-23 says the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.”
It’s understandable that Opie enjoyed the company of the dogs, and responded with such kindness. Children often do that around animals. But there is no reason for you to let kindness go just to the dogs. Read Psalm 103:8-12 right now. Why is it important to think about and meditate in God’s kindness? In what ways do you try to show kindness to others?
Live communally. Put your kindness into action this week to someone. Kindness communicates Christ.
Love is a verb,
Mike
“I hope to be God’s pencil. A tiny bit of pencil with which He writes what he likes.”
