Kindness
Our Scripture for today is Genesis 39:20-21.
Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison…But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness…
When I tell Joseph’s story, I talk about how God delivered him from death in the pit. I remember how Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and then cast into prison. In all of this, God’s hand was protecting him, but do you ever think about how God showed him kindness?
I want God to be merciful to me, but I especially want him to show me kindness. Kindness is almost a lost word in our world. You can be much younger than me and remember the word that follows “Be Kind.” If you ever visited the old Blockbuster stores, you know it is “Be Kind – Rewind.” No, it is much more than that.
Today I want you to think about kindness. Like the word “Love,” kindness is best defined by what it does.
Once I had to give a blood sample for testing. In an act of kindness, Liz went with me. As we sat waiting my turn, an older lady struggled to her feet and began to walk haltingly. Liz got up, took her arm, and walked her to the room. Why did she do that? Because showing kindness to a stranger was a part of who Liz was.
Kindness is a smile or kind word to someone.
Kindness is a generous tip to a hard-working server.
Kindness is a thank-you note to someone who helped.
Kindness is cooking a meal or a cake for someone going through a hard time.
Kindness is an encouraging card to a friend.
Kindness is giving to someone in need.
Kindness is checking in with a friend, or coworker.
Kindness is sending an old-fashioned letter to a friend or acquaintance from long ago. It is letting them know you still think of them.
I want God to be kind to me. If so, then I need to show kindness to his children.
Lonnie Davis