SHOW A LITTLE KINDNESS – TAKE UP THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

26th MAY 2020

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” – Galatians 6:2

This morning, I recall the talented and golden voice of sister Mary McKee, a gospel Artiste who many of us have probably heard about. I can never forget the wonderful impact her songs had on my life growing up in the ‘80s. She sings like an Angel. Even as I write this devotional, I can hear her golden voice at the back of my mind calling me to live upright! That was Mary McKee and the Genesis, her band name. May her golden voice continue to reign in people’s life. I do not think her voice will die easily because it seems to me that God was speaking through her songs and her voice, calling forth to humanity to change! One of her popular song, “show a little kindness”, is capable of beating the devil out of anyone who is drifting away from the Lord! Some of the lyrics in that song runs thus:

“If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed
If you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and say you’re going the wrong way

You’ve got to try a little kindness, just show a little kindness
Shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness you’ll overlook the blindness
Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets”

That is absolutely true. Anyone who has the means of helping others but is refusing to help, is narrow minded! This morning, I am forced to ask us; “what kind of clothing are you wearing- whether you are a Christian or not? Have you tried to show kindness to your fellow human beings”? It is quite amazing that so many of us, up to 90% of the general human population is devoid of pity, love, mercy, kindness, and humility. The character of Jesus Christ is to lift up those in distress. As Christians, you ought NOT to have Jesus only, but also, to have His character. I have come to realize that the best time to understand the people around you is when you are truly distressed and needing urgent help. While so many give reasons for not being able to help, others are in fact angels, in a human cloak – heaven sent to uplift their fellow humans. Those set of people will be good to others ALL THE TIME, not minding what they have to lose in return. To help someone in need is to display the character of Jesus Christ. To help someone to overcome pains and trauma is to display the godliness in us. What does it cost to be kind anyway? NOTHING, except if you are TRULY NOT in a position to help! Whatever you give to others, you gain back in threefold! Therefore, truly, it is more blessed to give than to receive. When you show kindness, you are simply displaying the character of Jesus Christ, or better still, a show of the godliness in you. In Deuteronomy 15:11, the scripture says; “for there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘you shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land”. Without kindness, the faith that we profess is hypocrisy. You cannot be a sincere follower of Christ and fail to be kind. You have to intentionally put on the cloak of Christ (Ref: Colossians 3:12) Note that kindness is a choice. We must choose to put them on. In the morning we must clothe ourselves with kindness (Ref. Galatians 6:10). God is telling us today to be kind. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, NOT only to your Christian brothers and sisters, but to all persons who need your help. If you will make the conscious choice and effort to put on kindness, in just a matter of time it will be a natural outflow of your inner being. As you live out your faith, see how many people you can bless in the coming weeks with kindness and love. Beloved, find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it. What do you gain from being kind? When you show kindness regularly, God begins to work through you in mighty ways. You will be a source of blessing to others, and you will never lack! (Luke 6:38)

PRAYER

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I declare I am a fountain of love and kindness. My life has become a source of blessing to others. I am empowered to do mighty deeds that uplifts humanity. Your grace and power flow through me into the hearts and souls of men. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Matthew 25:35-40; Acts 20:35