Kindness

While traveling from one city to the next, a man was overtaken by robbers. Taking his clothes and possessions, they left him badly beaten. Not long after the attack, a priest traveled the same road. He passed by without stopping. Then another traveler saw the man but did not offer to help.

Finally, someone stopped—a Samaritan. He put bandages on the man’s wounds and took him to an inn for the night. The next day, he gave the innkeeper money and instructions to take care of the wounded man.

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 is a wonderful example of godly kindness. It also demonstrates that kindness often requires something of us—a sacrifice of time, plans, privacy, or our own personal desires. The Good Samaritan interrupted his travel plans to help a stranger. He acted sacrificially, following the example of Christ. And what better example to follow? He gave us the ultimate gift of kindness—He died that we might live.

Kindness can be hard work, and from time to time, this may mean that we have to face difficult situations that drain us emotionally and physically. But kindness cannot grow without conflict and strife. We learn to be kind through the kindness of others, but we also learn a greater kindness when we are called to be kind and caring in difficult situations.

A disagreement with a co-worker, spouse, friend, or family member can tempt us to be abrupt or uncaring. Circumstances can cause us to lose focus on Christ, and God’s fruit of kindness can be lost in the battle. However, through the power of Christ, we are able to act in kindness even toward those who hurt us. Is there someone who needs your kindness today?

Prayer: Lord, tune my heart to be in harmony with You. In difficult situations, I pray Your Holy Spirit would remind me to be kind and to reflect Your ways. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.