The Kindness Cure...

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Memory Scripture: "I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

I've noticed something over these past few weeks. I bet you have too.

Kindness.

It's rampant in our community, our state, and in our country.

We have all had good intentions to show kindness, but often the follow through never happens.

Why?

Because we are busy. Busy. Busy.

The thought to do something kind for someone comes, we smile, but just as soon as the thought comes a distraction occurs. A deadline. A cramped schedule. A chaotic day.

Jesus was the ultimate Kindness Giver. Countless stories of Him stopping, touching, healing, caring, listening....

Jesus had a lot to do. But, He always had time for others. He cared about their needs. He cared about their suffering.

We also can learn a lot about kindness by the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. Here is the story:

 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Wow. The priest passed right by the suffering man. Not just passed by, but crossed to the other side of the street to avoid him. 

The Samaritan man did just the opposite. He not only stopped, he cared for him and took him in. 

The last sentence sums it up for us..."Go and do likewise."

As we are all pretty much quarantined to our homes, we still have opportunities to spread kindness. Endless opportunities. 

A sweet friend dropped off coloring journals for my daughter and I to do. (Attached with a handwipe just in case!)

My sister and her daughters made "Covid Comfort" food for friends, family, and neighbors--banana nut bread and chocolate cake! Talk about a sweet treat!

Cooking meals for elderly neighbors and leaving it at their front door. Or ordering take out for neighbors and delivering to their door. 

Dropping off essential items to neighbors that are not able to go out. 

Sending notes in the mail to parents, grandparents, friends. My daughter sent notes to all of her grandparents last week and it made their day!

Writing scriptures or encouraging words on a neighbors drive way with side walk chalk, picking flowers and leaving them on doorsteps. 

Kindness is more contagious than covid-19. 

Kindness spreads fast and it brings warmth and community even among social distancing. 

Be the sunshine today for someone. Bring JOY through acts of kindness. It doesn't have to cost a dime. 

Send a note, a text, make a phone call. 

Now is the time, because we have the time. 

Kindness cures loneliness, sadness, anxiety, depression. Not just for the recipient but for the giver. 

Let's be a part of the Kindness Cure. Let's follow the example of Jesus and the Good Samaritan. 

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3

making a kindness come-back, 

jill