Fruit of the Spirit: KINDNESS
Sometimes we think making a difference requires an extraordinary act, a generous donation, a grand gesture, or the perfect words. Scripture reminds us, however, that God often works through the simple acts of everyday people: a smile, a wave, a conversation. Kindness doesn't have to cost us anything, yet it can have a powerful impact.
The Bible repeatedly calls us to show kindness as followers of Christ. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12. Notice that kindness isn't presented as an occasional act. It's something we are meant to show each day that reflects who we are as followers of Christ.
I was reminded of this recently during an unexpected afternoon at the cabin. The sky was dark, the water calm, and the lake quiet. I decided to head out to the dock to do some fishing. As I looked across the lake, I noticed a kayak a little way down the shore with a tiny figure casting from it. Without thinking much about it, I simply waved. To my surprise, the little kayaker immediately paddled over. He couldn't have been more than seven years old. "Are you catching anything?" he asked. That simple wave turned into a conversation. We talked about fishing, how his grandmother had bought him a kayak to go out on the water with, how his late grandfather had taught him all of his fishing tricks, and before long, he proudly offered me a few of his fishing lures to try. A little while later, his fishing rod bent over, he had caught a fish! He paddled up to shore, got the fish on land, and I helped him carefully remove the hook from it. The excitement on his face was unforgettable. He beamed with pride and asked if I would take a picture of him holding his catch. It struck me afterward how none of that would have happened without one small act of kindness, a simple wave from one dock to one little kayak. The wave cost me nothing, his willingness to paddle over cost him nothing, but together, those tiny acts created a memory that I hope neither of us forgets.
Isn't that often how God works? Small moments become meaningful ones, brief encounters become opportunities to encourage, serve, and reflect Christ. Jesus told His followers, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16. Our light doesn't always shine through in dramatic ways. Sometimes it shines through simple moments: holding the door, saying hello, giving a compliment, simply offering a smile, or waving to someone across the water. I am sure many of us have experienced the joy it brings when someone simply shows kindness. I would be willing to bet that for many, it has brought light to a bad day.
We may never know the impact one small act of kindness can have on a person. Someone may be carrying a burden we cannot see, a child may remember your encouragement for years to come, a stranger may experience God's love because someone took a moment to notice them. Kindness is one of the simplest ways we can reflect the heart of Christ. It asks very little of us, but it often gives far more than we realize.
This week, look for your "wave across the water." It may seem insignificant in the moment, but God has a way of using simple acts of kindness to accomplish extraordinary things.
