People often say about the many crises of the world, “What can I do? I’m just one person?” Well, it’s true that one person can’t do it all but if each person does what they can do in the name of Love—and God is love–then we will all be far better off on the journey than when we began. Won’t we?
In Matthew 25:31-40 Jesus talked about caring for people and not forgetting them. The kindness we show to others is like showing that kindness to God. He said even giving a single cup of water to one of His disciples who is thirsty is a beautiful act. You may be inclined to think, A single cup of water, what good is that?
Well…have you ever been really, really thirsty? When you are, a single cup of water is a much needed and much appreciated gift.
Last Friday I was feeling quite unwell. Rundown, tired, sick, coming off of a few extra busy weeks. We needed groceries so even though my strength was waning I pushed myself through grocery shopping. As I drove home I remembered one more thing I needed from another store. I really wanted to have it for the weekend so even though I was concerned about going on another errand feeing the way I felt, I decided to go. It would be quick.
The sun had almost set, it was beginning to rain, I was barely making it and as I walked up to the store I saw a man out front who was representing a well-known ministry, asking for donations. I tried to grab a cart but they were all stuck together. As I tried to pull the carts apart with the little strength I had they wouldn’t budge. I was stuck. The item I was planning to buy was too heavy for me to carry through the store. Seeing my predicament, and without being asked, the ministry man walked over and helped pull a cart out for me. I thanked him and went inside.
Helping someone with a cart isn’t really a big deal, is it? I mean, it took 3 seconds and then I was on my way. Who would remember that?
But I have been thinking about it for days.
And I still feel thankful that he voluntarily stepped in to help. In that moment, it was such an act of kindness to me. It was like a cold glass of water on a sweltering day. He didn’t know how awful I felt, how much I just wanted to be home, how I was using my last bit of strength to get through this errand. But his smallest act of kindness was enormous to me in that moment.
“If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.” Mark 9:41, NLT
One commentator writes about that verse, “…hence we learn that the humblest acts of Christians – the lowest service that is rendered – will be graciously noticed by Jesus and rewarded…The feeblest service will be accepted, and acts of love that may be forgotten by man, will be remembered by Him, and rewarded in heaven.”
Each day, and especially as the holiday season is upon us, I encourage you to look for even the smallest way to reach out and help someone. Acts of service, words of encouragement, even a smile can deeply affect someone. Often you don’t know the amount of pain the person you come in contact with has suffered. In a lifetime we each endure much, some more than others, so let’s be kind.
