Week 5: KINDNESS
Definition: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
Read: Proverbs 11:17, Proverbs 31:26, 1 John 3:17
Youth pastors are not the healthiest people on the planet. I find myself eating fast food pretty often. One afternoon, I was working so hard—as most youth pastors do—preparing a message, that I forgot to eat lunch. Our youth event was a couple of hours away from starting, and my stomach was not happy with my neglect. To this day, I swear I heard the words "feed me" coming from the growl within.
To my stomach’s satisfaction, I got in my car and headed to the local fast food joint. I ordered my usual: two cheeseburgers and a Dr. Pepper. When I pulled my car around with my cash in hand, the drive-thru guy told me that the person in front of me had paid for my meal. After hearing this, I must have had an unpleasant look on my face because the guy asked me if I was OK. I was alright … however, I was in shock.
On my drive back to church, I had a realization. My response of shock was a result of the lack of kindness I see on a regular basis, especially from strangers. Especially since they didn't want anything in return, and their motives were pure. Imagine a world where being shown kindness wasn't unusual.
Kindness is a characteristic you have the ability to demonstrate to others. Sadly, your ability to be kind isn't revealed as often as it should be. Jesus was the most compassionate person ever to walk this Earth. He purposely loved the unlovable, served the needy, and healed the sick, expecting nothing in return. In fact, there are several times in Scripture when Jesus demonstrates kindness, then tells the person to not speak to anyone about it.
Many passages in Scripture call you to be kind. One of them is Galatians 6:10. Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit proclaims, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.”
Each day, there are endless opportunities for you to show kindness, but if you’re like me, you probably overlook them. It’s in your nature to be more focused on your wants and needs. However, Scripture calls you to do good whenever you have the opportunity.
Take a few moments to answer the following questions. Remember, these questions are designed to challenge you and will do so only if you are completely honest with yourself.
Reflection
- Have you ever been on the receiving end of an act of kindness? If so, how did it make you feel?
- Why do you feel like it's so easy for us to pass up opportunities to demonstrate kindness?
- Why do you think it's important to show kindness toward other people?
Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV): "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, that others may praise them. Truly, I say to you; they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
In other words, when you do good, don't tell everyone about it. Sometimes, whether you will admit it, you do things because you want to be recognized. You want the world to notice you. Instead of shouting from the mountaintops about how wonderful you are, you need to let your actions speak for themselves. To show someone kindness and expect no recognition in return is an act of great humility.
The Challenge
Do a random act of kindness for someone outside your home—but be completely anonymous about it.
End of Week Reflection
- How did this challenge make you shine?
- What was the most difficult part of this challenge for you?
- What was the most rewarding part of this challenge for you?
- How do you feel this challenge grew your relationship with Jesus?
- How can you use what you learned through this challenge to shine daily?