Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. Colossians 3:12 The Passion Translation
Kindness in Action
Today’s post was put on Facebook by Luke Lang. He saw an unexpected expression of kindness recently. I have his permission to share this because he is such an awesome writer who is sharing from his heart about kindness discovered on his difficult journey through cancer treatment.
I witnessed something beautiful today.
Diana and I were walking into the Oncology clinic.
There was an older lady walking in front of us. She was small and very frail. She was in pain and she was alone.
We wanted to hug and help her.
Before we could, one of the nurses swept in beside her to help.
He is a big, burly dude, picture a Viking with kind eyes.
He is about two feet taller than her, but he tenderly reached down and grabbed her belt and held her up.
He treated her with great dignity.
He slowly helped her walk, reassuring and encouraging with soft words the whole way.
As he helped her into the vinyl infusion chair, she was moaning and confused.
He continued to talk to her and I watched her pain melt away.
They started joking.
I watched his compassion change her countenance.
Suddenly, I was struck with two thoughts…
Kindness is a revolutionary act in a world where hate and hurt are hurled around like grenades.
'Kindness is a revolutionary act in a world where hate and hurt are hurled around like grenades.' #quote Luke LangClick To TweetAnd, it was such a lovely picture of what God does for us on our small, frail, painful days.
He reaches down and holds us up.
Even on the days when we feel all alone, God continually has ahold of our belt. He helps us walk as He sings songs of tender encouragement.
His compassion changes our countenance.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Honor Keys
Look for kindness in unexpected places just as in the anecdote described earlier. Tell those who show kindness how much you appreciate their efforts. Multiply the blessings as you honor those showing patience, courtesy and good will.
Active Definition
Kindness is simply responding to the needs of others with compassion and love. Those with this strength of character act appropriately in meeting the emotional needs of others.
Synonyms: generosity of spirit, mercy, assistance, blessing, favor, helpfulness, hospitality, patience, sweetness, empathy, courtesy, good will, consideration
Creative Wording
Thank you for the multitude of small things you do to make my life easier. The best part is that you are so generous with your time and effort. The result is that I feel nurtured and loved. Your thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me. I want to be more like you toward everyone that I meet.
This is day 16 of a 31 day writing challenge. For more inspiration on honoring those you love, click here.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope. Karen’s third book on hope – The Power of Hope for Caregivers: Honor the Ride will be released on 11.20.18.
I am undone by the realization that God’s compassion and Words do change my countenance and they are faithful acts. And I recognize that the kindness of others can and does make a huge difference. Thanks for sharing this. I shared your post on my social media.
Susan,
Oh my sweet friend, I am with you on that Scripture. The Passion Translation is bringing familiar verses to new light. Kindness (especially in the light of harshness) can indeed transform the atmosphere.
You are such an awesome commentator. I appreciate it more than words can express.
Karen
What an awesome story. So much THIS: “Kindness is a revolutionary act in a world where hate and hurt are hurled around like grenades.”