Serving with Kindness | Part Two
Kindness can be seen every day, in many people and situations. Expressions of kindness are not limited to believing Christians.
We see many examples of generous philanthropy and acts of great benevolence in individuals and groups who claim no faith in any god.
In fact, sometimes we are embarrassed and challenged when we witness greater initiatives of kindness from those who seem opposed, or indifferent, to Christian faith, than those of us who claim to be disciples of Christ. These situations should challenge us to a greater expression of our love for God and for people.
Our understanding of God’s “Common Grace” is important.
The Bible consistently teaches what theologians have come to call “common grace,” a non-saving grace that is at work in the broader reaches of human cultural interaction. This gift of God’s grace to humanity in general demonstrates a desire on God’s part to bestow certain blessings on all human beings, believer and non-believer alike. Understanding common grace provides the basis for Christians to cooperate with and learn from all people…
…God gives good gifts of wisdom, talent, beauty, and skill graciously, that is, in completely unmerited ways. He casts them across the human race like seed, in order to enrich, brighten, and preserve the world.[1]
The most obvious example of “Common Grace” is seen in the story that has come to be known as “The parable of the Good Samaritan”. An odd title, because nowhere in the text is the Samaritan described as “good”.
We often read the story through a “morality” lens rather than a “sovereignty” lens. We conclude that the foreigner (the Samaritan) was more righteous that the religious people (the priest and the Levite). The moral of the story becomes judgemental, be like the good Samaritan. What is really being said is that God is able to cause anyone to be compassionate, merciful, gracious and kind. So, the call is to see the very nature of God and strive to reflect that everywhere.
An understanding of “Common Grace” helps us to recognise kindness wherever we see it. It is a reminder that although we are all tainted by sin, the Father pours His goodness and kindness into the world.
As believers we are privileged to know, trust and rejoice, in the origin and author of that Grace and Kindness. We can celebrate serving with kindness wherever it may be seen; knowing that God is at work.
Blessings
Brian
[1] Copyright © 2003 by Timothy Keller, © 2010 by Redeemer City to City. This article is adapted from a leadership training session at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in 2003 (p1 and 3)