SHOW A LITTLE KINDNESS – TAKE UP THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

SHOW A LITTLE KINDNESS – TAKE UP THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

13th JUNE 2021

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

This morning, I recall the talented and golden voice of sister Mary McKee, a gospel Artiste that we all know too well. I can never forget the extraordinary 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 continues to reign in people’s life. I do not think her voice will die quickly because it seems to me that God was speaking through her songs and her voice, calling forth to humanity to change! One of her famous songs entitled “show a little kindness” can beat the devil out of anyone drifting away from the Lord! Some of the lyrics in that song run 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 true. Anyone who has the means of helping others but is refusing to allow is narrow-minded! This morning, I, therefore, want 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 pretty 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 those in distress. As Christians, you ought NOT to have Jesus only, but also, to have His righteousness. I have realised that the best time to understand the people around you is when you are genuinely distressed and need 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 show 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 threefold! Therefore, honestly, 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 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 make the conscious choice and effort to put on kindness, it will be a natural outflow of your inner being in just a matter of time. 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

In the name of Jesus Christ, Father, 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 uplift 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