kindness has a cost
And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. Acts 28:2
When Paul and the rest of the shipmates arrived on the island of Malta, the natives there showed them unusual kindness. They all made it to shore, which was great, but once there, it was about to turn into another decision. Now what? I’m sure they wondered when they got there, what do we do next? But just on time, the natives showed up and showed kindness and hospitality. We know this was not their normal response because the passage says that it was unusual kindness, meaning it didn’t usually happen.
As I read through the passage, it struck me that each group of people there had a part and they all contributed in some way to what was playing out. Notice first, that the natives welcomed them to the island by using their resources to supply heat and a dry place for all to dry out after swimming to shore. Keep in mind that there were 276 of them that made it to land. It must have been quite a big fire to be able to reach 276 people. Even Paul got involved by putting more wood on the fire. He was not the host or even someone working there, but he helped out with kindness by giving of his hand.
This is not an isolated instance for Paul, throughout the entire chapter, we have seen that Paul was a worker and always gave of his time and resources. His kindness to others was demonstrated by valuing people no matter what the cost. That’s what kindness is. It is giving of your time, resources and energy to make others feel more important than the things around you.
I have never thought of kindness as a gift. The scriptures tell us that it is fruit that shows up when the Holy Spirit is present. However, the gift part is when giving kindness. When you show kindness to others, you are giving and giving is the way that we become and example of Who Jesus is and what He gave to save us. He spared no expense in His act of love and kindness to give everything He had down to His last breath so we could be reconciled to God our heavenly father. Now we are the ones that spare no expense to show others the love of God in our lifetime. You cannot be kind without giving something. Don’t set a limit on what you will give to show others God’s love today. When you are willing to give it all, kindness will show up where ever you go.
Today I want to encourage you to do your part in being kind to all people. Don’t let selfishness, pride and lack of resources stop you. Instead, give of your time, energy and money to invest in the eternity of those around you. When you do, you will begin to understand that this is the reason you have been given life, health and resources, to help others in this world.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 28:1-10
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”
5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
The Daily Dose 