Thought for Wednesday, February 8th

February 8, 2012

Acts of Kindness

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:31-40

Quote of the Day:

“Kindness isn’t sacrifice so much as it is being considerate for the feelings of others, sharing happiness, the unselfish thought, the spontaneous and friendly act, forgetfulness of our own present interests” – Carl Holmes

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

Performing an act of kindness can sometimes be accomplished by the most insignificant of gestures or actions.  Often a smile will brighten someone’s day: a word of kindness will touch a heart that feels neglected or unnoticed; a cup of water will quench the thirst of an overheated worker: or a phone call will bring cheer to someone who is housebound or hospitalized.

At other times the gesture may require more effort or ambition, such as preparing a meal and feeding someone who is hungry; collecting clothes, toys and food for a family in need: listening to the hurts and sorrows of a wounded saint because they need to unburden their soul; or helping someone do a project that they may not be able or capable of doing themselves.

But as Christians isn’t that part of our duty and call to service?

Didn’t Jesus tell us that if we would did these types of things for others it would be just like we were doing them for Him?

Who is there among us that if Jesus were to walk up and ask for a shirt or a piece of bread would not give it to Him?  Which of us would not be willing to listen to what was on His heart?  Is there any of us who would not visit him if He were homebound or incarcerated?

If Jesus wanted us to be there, wouldn’t we jump at the chance?

So why are we then so reluctant to help each other?

Isn’t it the same as helping Him?

He said it was!

Today’s Prayer

Father you’re more than amazing, beyond awesome and totally fantastic and radically wondrous.  Thank you for who you are and all that you have done, in my life.  Help me to be kinder to others and more willing to lend a hand where I can and to do what I’m able every time an opportunity presents itself.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

-          Aesop

“Word of God speak, pour down like rain…”

- from ‘Word of God Speak’ by Mercy Me