Marriner’s Moments: Saving Mankind – Christ’s Act of Kindness – Pt. 2

As we reflect on Christ’s act of kindness this month, we also celebrate the resurrection and ultimate sacrifice that Christ made to save mankind; a sacrifice of which none of us is worthy. During this time of reflection and commemoration, perhaps we should evaluate ourselves, our relationship with others, and particularly our relationship with Christ.

Not only do we not show our love to the One who made this ultimate sacrifice, but lately there appears to be a spirit of hate and rancor hovering over our communities across the nation, and we see it manifested daily in negative behaviors that are becoming increasingly overt. We see it on social media, television and hear about it in our neighborhoods. We’ve all seen the images of chaos of people running out of Jewish Community Centers because of bomb threats. Heinous crimes are being committed in neighborhoods and cities – right next to us. And, daily, people are doing hateful and hurtful things to one another.

Thankfully, we also notice those among us who are determined to model Christ’s act of kindness. We see it play out in the innocence of youth – like little, six-year old Armani Crews who gave up her birthday party so she could feed the homeless. Or, we witness students in Loudoun County, VA who volunteered their time to repair and help restore an old, historic African-American schoolhouse after another group of youth marred it with hate messages. We hear about communities coming together to surprise disabled veterans by making their homes handicap accessible. We also see it in our churches, where members secretly and quietly slip a few dollars in the hands of struggling college students; men volunteer to spend time mentoring young boys, or individuals stay after worship services to help clean up the church. These acts of kindness occur daily among individuals who have a desire and heart to emulate Christ.

Acts of kindness can be simple, effective, and a great way to demonstrate Christ’s love for us, to others. Most times true acts of kindness are clandestine – not for show – and carried out in genuine love and care for another. In other words, there is nothing to gain. Or, is there? Ephesians 4:32 (ESV), tells us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” And in Luke 6:38 (ESV), we read, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
”Peace and power.

© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner,
Grove Church
April 2017