Amanda was approaching the counter to pay for her groceries when she noticed the customer ahead of her, an elderly woman, frantically rummaging through her bag. She had forgotten her credit card at home and that meant she had to leave the store without the few items she had picked. Just as the old lady was about to turn around and leave the store, Amanda motioned to the cashier and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll pay for her.”
The customer was a stranger who needed help, and Amanda stepped in and showed her kindness just when she needed it the most! Being hospitable and kindhearted is an indication of the God-nature in you. Jesus said, “Treat others as you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31 TLB). Kindness isn’t about what we do for ourselves, but what we do for others. You should have a determination to show someone such kindness that only God can repay. The Christian life is a life of love freely given us of God. That love makes you think of others and accept them just as they are, even when it seems they don’t deserve it.
We’re even admonished to be loving and kindhearted to strangers. Some people don’t treat strangers right. Once they don’t know you, they don’t care about you, and wouldn’t want to help. But the Scripture says we shouldn’t be forgetful to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels unawares. Don’t hesitate to help strangers, and treat them just as nicely as you would if you knew them, but do so without naivety.
Confession
I’m full of love, because the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I’m kindhearted, hospitable, and gracious. I manifest the love of Christ to everyone, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
