I know many have made grandiose resolutions for 2019 to forever change the trajectory of history. Let’s not forget the small stuff. Small as in simple acts of kindness. Be creative. How can your random expressions of God’s love become a kiss from heaven for others in 2019?
A story I read from 2013 captures the power of small. But it also illustrates that love cannot be quantified. Simply stated: Random demonstrations of the love of God changes lives.
As Pastor Francis Anfuso sat waiting for his new tires to be installed, an elderly couple “severely hunched over” strolled in with walkers. Clearly they had seen better days. Initially he felt pity for them.
But that all changed in a moment.
Francis struck a conversation with Laverne and Betty Bartz. They were 84 and 83 years old. And they were celebrating 64 years of marriage! Heartwarming stories from their lives filled the waiting room. Pity changed to awe. In his own words, Pastor Francis described them as “quite extraordinary.”
Why?
Though primarily housebound, they made their way three times a week to the drive thru at Starbucks. Their mission was not just to purchase a cup of their favorite coffee, but rather to do an act of kindness: they blessed strangers behind them with a $5 gift certificate along with a gospel tract sharing the love of Jesus Christ. In spite of their perceived limitations, they sought to minister the love of Christ to others around them.
As Francis sat there in amazement, he heard numerous testimonies of faces flushed with tears after receiving such unexpected acts of kindness. Multiple police officers were touched deeply. Many communicated that they “felt their act of kindness was a kiss from God.”
They had no excuses not to share the love of Christ with others through random acts of kindness.
Mostly home bound. Clearly hunched over. Certainly they were getting up there in age. Yet they touched many lives. Most importantly, the love of Christ compelled these holy strollers to reach out.
What about you?
Will you bless others through small acts of kindness starting today? Go small. Go in the love of God. Determine to be resolute in the love of Christ in 2019.
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Please comment below regarding any acts of kindness you have done (or have had done for you) in order to help spur creative ideas for others to prayerfully consider.
The most common thing prophets say to me is that they have never been in the presence of such Love in their lives. The role we are called to in life is Good Shepherd! To see if His sheep need anything. To love them and be sensitive to their trials snd tribulations. To feed them if they are hungry and above all, to defend them from dangers. It doesn’t. have to be dramatic. Just a constant overflow as you go about your day. In this, the Holy Spirit is so much a partner and guider of our steps. He knows where He needs help with the human race!! For this reason a pure heart is the best help of all. It keeps out garbage!
Joy, first of all, thank you for taking time to visit my website and read this specific article. I so appreciate the wisdom that you shared with us from your own journey with the Lord. Beautiful. Bless you!