Kindness

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

God’s gifts are often thought of as the daily blessings we receive and know come from God, such as laughter from our children, a kind word from a stranger, or good news from a physician. The gifts that we often forget that are true blessings are those that each of us possess that we can use to help God spread his blessings on the earth.

Do you ever think about the gift God has given you that allows you to care for your children or grandchildren, alleviating stress from another for a few minutes and are the one who causes their laughter? What about when you cross a busy street and reach out to tell a stranger, “Be careful of that puddle”? And those of you who spent years training as a physician to be able to give the good news in a special way?

I sometimes forget that my gifts from God may not be as obvious as some others. I don’t have a wonderful voice that makes the hymn ring true in others’ hearts. I do not have the training in medicine to save lives. I don’t have a calling to preach the Gospel to awaken the glory to a congregation. But we all have gifts that we need to be sure to use as often as possible.

Kindness is a gift many of us have. Someone who struggles with an extremely difficult life, or suffers from addiction, or hurts too much to care, may not be able to show kindness; but we can. The ability to put others ahead of your own immediate needs when they are suffering is a special gift, and not all can be in a place to provide.

We can’t take lightly the small things. We are the daily reminder of God’s grace on earth. There was only one Mother Theresa, but there are hundreds of people who will remember your kindness who have never even heard of her.

Think of the way you show God’s grace and you have found one of his blessings. When someone says, “thank you,” they are reminding you that you have given them one of those blessings. Remember: the small ways that you care, serve, and love daily are the most important gifts you can give.

May God bless you this Easter, and may you share his blessings with others.

-Jen Rockwell