Who in your life could use some encouragement, a little help, or a token of appreciation? A visit, a cooked meal, a card, or a phone call can go a long way to encourage and lift the spirits of someone. Who can you make happier today? We live in a fast-paced culture that focuses on getting more than giving. Sometimes we just need to be reminded to do an act of kindness. Kindness is very powerful! It can help someone make it through a hard time. It can lift the spirits of the downtrodden.
Jesus spoke of the power of a kind act when He said, “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward”(Mark 9:41 NKJV). There is great power in a kind act. It can lift the despondent spirit and restore hope in the hopeless. One of the greatest blessings found in an act of kindness is the blessing of doing it! When one takes the time to visit and encourage others, the greater blessing is to the visitor. When one gives to those who are in need, the greatest blessing is to the giver.
As Paul was about to leave Miletus, he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. Note the words of his farewell. “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive‘ “ Acts 20:35 (NKJV). If you would find a blessing, seek to bless others. If you would have a friend, be a friend. If you would be encouraged, be an encourager.
Jesus set for us the ultimate example of self-sacrifice. He emptied Himself of Heaven to come to this lowly earth and live as a man. The exalted Lord became a lowly man. He endured being despised and hated of man, yet He went about doing good. He paid the ultimate price in giving His life for those who had spat in His face and nailed Him to a cross. In His pain, He prayed for their forgiveness. Let us follow the example of our Master. Let us go about doing good.