What cost kindness?

In recent weeks I have seen an increase of social media posts about kindness, many of which are posted by people who, as far as I know, have no relationship with Jesus. I am so thankful that in a world that often speaks of looking after number 1 there is a push towards kindness. After all, the bible says that ‘the kindness of God leads to repentance’, Romans 2:4.

Today I had a practical example of a stranger’s kindness to me and it reminded me that I wanted to write this blog. I had gone for a walk with my housemate but when I tried to pay for our parking it would not accept my card, the man before me had had the same problem. The only issue was that I had no cash on me as I had only taken my phone! The man who was behind me told me that he would be ‘kind to a stranger’ and pay my ticket but before he could the man in front of me gave me the £3 I needed. Kindness indeed!

This was a very simple example of kindness but it made my day and it reminded me of the times that I have shown kindness and seen someone’s countenance change or been told by them that it has made their day. Kindness is a wonderful thing!

So, I try to live my life as Jesus’ love on legs (being his kindness to those around me) and I do this better some days than others but there are a few things that I have taken to doing to help make this a reality in every day life. The key, I believe, is seeing every person who I come across as worthy of my time and attention because they are made in the image of the God I love.

Now, I know we all have full lives but the thing is, I think kindness doesn’t have to take lots of time, though sometimes it may do. I think kindness looks like treating the person in front of us as an individual with their own inherent value, regardless of what they or others may think. This can take just moments but can truly change the direction of someone’s day.

For example, what do we do when we are stood in a queue at a supermarket? Do we moan and groan that it is taking too long or do we get to the check out assistant and thank them for doing a great job? I have found that often the demeanour of someone can change noticeably when you take a moment to say something nice or encouraging. It takes no time, just a desire to be kind!

Now, for those of you who are more introverted, I’m not talking about long conversations or deep and meaningful prophetic words, I’m talking about taking a moment to be kind and to thank them for the job they have done and wish them a good day.

Another example is to ask the name of your waiter/waitress when you are out for food. I love doing this but am always surprised at how surprised they are that I ask. One young man that I asked a little while ago asked me why I asked, and when I explained that I like to know the person who is serving me, he said he loved that but it was the first time in all the years that he had been working as a waiter that someone had asked him. How sad is that?

It’s not about heart to heart conversation, though, if you do know their name, then if God gives you a prophetic word for them it is much easier to give it as you have already established a little rapport and relationship with them.

These 2 things, I think, are very simple but I wonder what a difference it would make in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities if every one who loved Jesus started doing them and similar things? Other things you can do are (but most definitely not limited to): take time to chat to the homeless person you see and not just walk past them or at least look at them, smile and say hello; tip generously; buy a coffee for the person behind you in the coffee queue; say hello to everyone you walk past and smile.

These are just a few of the things I do but I know there will be lots of examples out there and I would love to hear how you are kind to those around you. What are your thoughts on this, I would love to hear them?

I wrote this blog yesterday but left it to reread today but am glad I did as God showed me the difference kindness makes again today. I went for lunch to a local pub with a friend because I had been once before a few months ago and know they do a great Sunday lunch (something I crave every now and again but really don’t want to cook for one!). After our meal as we ordering coffee the waitress said she remembered me and that I had sat at the same table the last time I was there.

Now, this may not seem like much but it did make me wonder.

How many people has this lovely lady served in the 2-3 months since I was last there?

What made her remember me from one brief meeting a few months ago?

Could it have been kindness? Just wondering………