Serving with Kindness | Part Six
Genuine kindness has a way of multiplying because it has a strong foundation in the character of the Triune God. It causes us to exercise kindness in almost “unnatural” ways.
Not all transformation takes place immediately or quickly. We are called to influence others, especially young people in our schools, over a substantial period of time. Our kindness is not simply an isolated action – but long-term engagement.
“Love is patient and kind…”[1]
Empart is a Mission group operating in India. CEO Simon Warrick tells this story[2]:
Bala experienced the life-changing power of a spiritual father at a time when he was on a rapid downward spiral. Dropping out of school early on, he took on work at a factory, spending his money on gambling as his life continued to deteriorate.
When a family member became seriously ill, the prayer and support of a field worker in a nearby village led to a miraculous healing! As a result, the entire family began searching for and connecting with the one source of Hope and Peace.
But for Bala, it was a slower turning, supported by the unwavering kindness and commitment of the field worker. Little by little, Bala made small changes, leaving his destructive habits behind.
Having someone who didn’t give up on him gave him the strength to pursue a path towards wholeness.
Eventually, he joined a training centre where other spiritual fathers and mothers poured into him and he began to truly flourish.
Today, Bala has a big heart to nurture and guide young people towards a life of wholeness. Now a spiritual father himself, he works across five different villages and has seen many leave destructive ways to embrace all they were born for.
Just as God Fathers us, He calls us to equip, counsel and love others. Godly kindness, maybe seen through a comforting hug, an invitation to eat lunch together, a listening ear, or an offering of wise thought. With each act carried out with love and kindness, big or small, we are reflecting the kindness of God.
God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”[3]
Let us serve with kindness
Blessings
Brian
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:4
[2] Simon Warrick Towards Wholeness on-line blog April 2022
[3] Romans 2:4