Friday, 21st May, 2021
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 6:9, Luke 6:31
Memory Verse: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians4:32 (ESV)
Frederick W. Faber said, “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning”. There was this Septugenarian (70-year-old plus) who was really struggling to make ends meet. Soon, his landlord came asking for his rents. Obviously, he was troubled and embarrassed. His no-nonsense landlord handed him a 24-hr eviction notice. Well, in his distressed state of mind, he managed to go to work the next day where he sells grocery items. A lady came into his shop to buy some groceries but couldn’t pay. He felt pity for her. He’s been there. Despite his own challenges, he decided to give her for free. You could see the ecstacy on her face.
She begged him to come over for dinner in her house. She planned to host her elder brother and her only daughter. “No problem”, he said. In the evening, the old man went to the house only to see the same man who gave him an eviction notice earlier in the morning double as the elder brother. What a small world! Self-guilt, condemnation and bewilderment fell upon the landlord. If an old man who has always paid his rent for the past 20 years couldn’t balance up his payment due to obvious economic challenges, wouldn’t you be kind enough to give him some little more time? Thank God Mr. Landlord repented right there and then, and also promised to give the old man one month free rent.
No wonder Thomas Fuller opined, “Kindness is the noblest weapon to conquer with”. Friends, there are obvious economic challenges all over the world. As covenant children of God we are secured. However, please let’s show a little more kindness. “The greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to some of His other children”, so said Henry Drummond. You may just be helping someone who will be there for your children 20 years from now (1 Chron.19:2). Please don’t blow off such opportunities. At work, in the neighborhood, at school, in the Church, etc., please show a little kindness. Principals of schools, landlords, CEOs, entrepreneurs, Pastors, etc., please show a little more kindness. “Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting…Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as well” – Mother Teresa.
Quote: Kindness makes a person attractive. If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it – AlexanderMacLaren
Prophetic Decree: Receive a heart of kindness, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you heavenly Father for your kind words, and acts towards me.
2. I receive a heart of flesh for a heart of stone, in Jesus name.
3. Holy Spirit, please help me to love and be kind to the unloving, in Jesus name.
4. I receive grace to use my position to help others rise above their challenges, in Jesus name.
5. Holy Spirit, please reconstruct my mindset about what truly matters, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57