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 showed them unusual kindness. Everyone had survived the shipwreck, which was a miracle in itself, but once they reached land, a new question waited for them. Now what? I imagine the moment they made it to shore and stood cold, soaked and exhausted, they wondered what to do next. Yet right on time, God had already prepared help. The natives stepped forward with kindness and hospitality. Scripture tells us it was unusual kindness, which means this was not their typical response. Something God was doing in that moment stirred them to care for strangers.
As I read this passage, I see how each group played a part in what God was unfolding. The natives welcomed them and used their own resources to build a fire large enough to warm and dry 276 people. That must have taken time, effort and sacrifice. Even Paul joined in by gathering wood to keep the fire burning. He was not the host and had no obligation to help, yet he gave through kindness because that was his way of life. Paul continually lived with a willingness to serve, no matter where he was or what his circumstances were.
Kindness was not an occasional gesture for Paul. It was a pattern. His actions showed that kindness costs something. It costs time, resources, energy, comfort and in many cases, a willingness to put someone else first. Kindness is a fruit that appears when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, but it is also a gift we can choose to give. When we show kindness, we are demonstrating something about Jesus, because kindness always gives. Jesus gave everything, even His very breath, so we could be reconciled to God. Now we carry His heart into my world, giving fully without limits so others can experience His love, too.
You cannot be kind without giving something. And the more you give, the more you will recognize that God uses your kindness as a doorway for His presence.
Below are some ways to put this truth into action:
- Look for someone who is cold spiritually or emotionally, then provide warmth through a listening ear or encouraging words. You can get started by asking God each morning who needs comfort near you.
- Notice opportunities to serve in simple ways, such as helping someone with a task or taking initiative before being asked. You can get started by choosing one place today where you will give practical help.
- Give even when it stretches you, whether through time, money or energy, because kindness often requires sacrifice. You can get started by identifying one area where you can give more than what is comfortable.
There have been times God has asked me to be kind when it was inconvenient or costly. I remember moments when I felt tired or overwhelmed, yet God nudged me to help someone or give something away. Each time I followed His prompting, I saw God work in ways I did not expect. The gift I thought I was giving away returned to me in peace, joy, a greater awareness of His presence and sometimes opened doors I didn’t even know were there. Kindness has repeatedly shown me that giving opens up the way for God to move.
Today I want to encourage you to give kindness freely, even when it costs you something. Do not let hesitation, fear or limited resources stop you. Instead give your time, energy and money as an investment into the eternity of the people around you. As you do, you will discover why God has given you life, strength and resources, because someone needs the love of Jesus that flows through your kindness.
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.
Journal:
- Where is God inviting me to show unusual kindness today?
- What resource do I struggle to give and why?
- Who around me needs warmth, comfort or support right now?
- What has kindness cost me in the past, and what did God teach me through it?
The Daily Dose 