RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Today’s message was written by the founder of Dial Hope, the Rev. Roger Kunkel

A doctor devoted as much of his spare time as he could to a charity clinic. One day an elderly gentleman was ushered into the physician’s private offices downtown.

“Remember me, Doctor?’ the man asked. “You treated me over at the charity clinic. I’ve come into some money lately, and I can afford to pay for the service of a doctor now.” “But what made you come to me?’ the physician wanted to know. “I wasn’t the only doctor who treated you at the clinic.” “I know,” the old man said quietly, “But you were the only one who helped me with my coat.”

Christianity is not an explanation but a demonstration of God’s love and kindness living in the human heart. You don’t have to give away great sums of money to show your concern. You don’t have to be eloquent to tell someone you care. Caring is making room in your heart for an individual and their problem. Sometimes simply being available, giving a friendly touch, a smile, a hug, or just listening, is caring.

May God be with you every moment of this day.

Let us pray: Loving God, with each new day your promise of hope is restored, in every sunrise we see your face; in every sunset, we rest in your arms. Each day is like the first day you created with the same invitation – for us to live in your image, to work creatively, to practice random acts of kindness. Sprinkle us with your love so our mustard-seed faith will grow like large elms whose leafy arms stretch to the heavens, and arch in prayer. Give us the faith of the rising sun, the trust of trees, and the hope that springs eternal from constant prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.