“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Corinthians 1:4, NIV
I recently returned from an exciting, but grueling trip to Israel. I mean it was enlightening, satisfying and stimulating, but at the end of the day I was exhausted. Other members of the group also had similar complaints. Who wouldn’t after a day of climbing hills and steps, often on uneven terrain, and in hot, desert temperatures. Being out there gave us a new appreciation for what the Israelites had to go through during the forty years they spent in the wilderness.
In preparing us for the trip, the pastor had suggested that we do one kind thing for our roommate each day. Great idea, but I don’t know how many of us went out of our way to do something kind for each other each day. I do remember giving my roommate some over-the-counter medicine for her stomach complaint one night, something anyone would have done under similar circumstances.
But there was one member of the group who, I believe, did go out of her way to be kind. She would hang back at the end of the line whenever we were leaving a site and make sure no one was left behind. I remember one day, engrossed in the surroundings, I was taking my time drying my feet after standing near the waterfall at En Gedi (see picture above) I heard her say, “Come on, sweetie. They’re leaving.” I looked up to see her looking at me with her perpetual grin. I hurried to meet her, expressing my thanks.
What act of kindness can you do today? It may be something as simple as baking some cookies and sharing with your co-workers – they’ll appreciate them more than the store-bought variety – babysitting for a young couple so they could have a much-needed night out; calling up a friend or relative you haven’t heard from in a while; blessing someone financially. You can think of any number of ways. The thing is when you do these acts of kindness, you benefit as much as the other person does. The feeling of joy and satisfaction they bring you are worth more than a therapy session.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness – Galatians 5: 22
