Friday, January 10, 2014

A Heart That Does Kind Things

It was the final set in a tennis match. One of the players had demonstrated his strength and skill as his opponent struggled to stay competitive. Suddenly the player who had been doing so well began to hit the ball outside of the lines, into the net and even miss the ball completely. It seemed as though he had lost his focus.
His father approached him during a break and asked, “Keller, what’s going on? You were doing so good and now you may lose the match and not go to the state finals. What’s going on?” he demanded.

“It’s O.K., Dad. Let me alone. I know I can win. I’ve been missing the balls on purpose. I don’t want him to feel bad about losing. I want to encourage him.”

Keller did go on to win. But in the process he not only thought of “doing a kindness” but actually showed what kindness “looked like” to someone who was struggling to defeat him and win the match.

Life gives us many opportunities to “do kindness.” In fact, God “makes them available” each day. For example, we can open a door for a senior citizen; or be gracious and express our gratitude to a cashier during the rush hour at a grocery store; or give a smile to someone who looks like they need encouragement; or give a compliment to one who is guiding us when we place an order on the phone or take care to explain something that is unfamiliar to us.

“Doing kindness” is one of the most important things we Christians can do. It represents what God’s grace is all about. If an opportunity to “do kindness” appears, seize it!

Prayer: Help us to be alert, Lord, for opportunities to show Your grace through acts of kindness and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 109:16 For he never thought of doing a kindness, but hounded to death the poor and the needy and the brokenhearted.

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