GPS-Each Kindness

OCT 22  / Sunday – Read 2 Cor 7:10-3a

Overview: Small acts of kindness can change the world. But what happens when we ignore those opportunities God brings before us?

23 / Mon – A rare gift you can give every day  |  Read Eph 4:29-32

In the children’s story, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, an elementary teacher taught her students about the far-reaching effects of the things they do by dropping a small stone in a large bowl of water. As tiny waves rippled away from the stone, she said “That is what kindness does. Each little thing we do, goes out, like a ripple, into the world.” What kindnesses have others shown that impacted your life? What kind words or deeds will you do for someone else today?

24 / Tue – What does it mean to be kind?  |  Read Matthew 9:9-13

The word kind is defined as having a friendly or generous nature or attitude toward others. A kind person is often described as cordial, courteous, considerate. It is too easy to make snap judgments about people based on their appearance or manner. Would you instead ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the person in front of you as someone created in God’s image, valued and worth your respect and kindness? Isn’t that what Jesus did? How will you follow his example today?

25 / Wed – Compassion  |  Read Luke 10:29-37

A kind person often feels compassion when seeing another’s need and wants to do something to help. In this familiar story, a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead on a dangerous stretch of road between Jerusalem and Jericho. The priest and the Levite (Jewish religious leaders) did not stop. What was different about the Samaritan man? What are you most tempted to do when you see someone in need? Do you think about how busy you are and move on? If that is the case, will you allow the Lord to fill you with His compassion and obey what He tells you to do?

26 / Thu – Consider  |  Read Jer 31:3 / Ps 116:5  & 145:9 / Is 42:3a & 49:15-16 / Lam 3:21-23

Read again the definitions from Tuesday’s writing. Have you considered how these words might also describe the kind of person God is? The devil loves to attack God’s character by pointing out all the bad things that happen in the world, blaming God for the consequences from choices people make. The scriptures tell a different story. Which verses above address any mistruths about God’s character that may have subtly taken root in your mind and heart?

27 / Fri – Thinking before you react  |  Read Lk 15:20-25 / Ps 103:13-18

How do you think this father’s reaction changed his son’s life going forward? When you know God understands how limited and weak human beings are and when you have experienced God’s deep kindness to you in spite of the times you’ve walked away from him, then you will be able to extend that to others. Who might need kindness, compassion or understanding from you today? Ask the Holy Spirit to check any normal irritated feelings or unkind reactions and give you the words others need to hear. Will you do that?

28 / Sat – Missed opportunities?  |  Read Matt 25:31-40 / Col 3:17

This teaching shows what an elevated position each human being has in God’s eyes, no matter how life has turned out for them. What an astounding statement Jesus made in verse 40. If you could transpose the face of Jesus onto the person in front of you, would you treat them differently? It’s a good question to ask yourself. Please be don’t miss out on any opportunity you have to bless God by treating those created in His image with the same care and kindness you would give Jesus himself.

Sometimes we think about what we want but fail to ask God for it. Why is that? Do you think He may say no to something you really want? Ask anyway. If God says no, check your motives. If they are pure and God still says no, there is a good reason. It may be that He is planning a better yes for you in the future. Will you trust Him? You can, you know. God made you. He knows you. He loves you. He gave Himself to redeem your life. Will He not also give you ever