Prior to Christmas, 2011, I heard about people who had discovered a new and unique way to bless others, to "pay it forward," as was suggested by a movie not long ago. These people would go into Wal-marts, K-marts, and other stores and proceed to the layaway departments and ask, "Does anyone have toys on layaway here?"
They would then pay the amount of money the toys cost as anonymous donations to children and families they did not know. I heard of a man in nearby Gainesville, for example, who attempted to do the same thing, but when he went to the layaway department, he was too late, for all the merchandise had already been paid for and collected. He was not easily dissuaded in his desire to bless others, however, for he then went to the grocery department and paid for the food that two women had in their carts.
These are examples of a minstry of kindness, a ministry in which each of us should be engaged both in words and actions. In fact this is a ministry that nearly everyone can do. You know, kindness causes a chain reaction. One lady, for example, upon discovering that someone had paid for the toys she had on layaway, used the money she had brought to get her things to pay for those of someone else.
Kindness and helpfulness go a long way. I believe they are signs of greatness and they are not difficult to do. Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Kind words bring no blisters on the tongue that speaks them, nor on the ear which hears them." It is clear that such kindness comes from God. The Bible says, "But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us..." (Titus 3:4-5).
Walking in kindness brings joy to us and to those we bless. Such service helps us to discipline our lives and it teaches us how to walk in humility. Anyone can do it; it causes people to feel surprised and honored.
A person who chooses to walk in kindness is always asking, "How can I bless others? Make me a blessing, out of my life may Jesus shine." This is a wonderfully creative approach to life that gives energy to the one who practices it.
Emily Dickinson wrote this thought-provoking poem,
"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain,
Or help the fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain."
Do you want your life to count for eternity? Do what you can to help others. Practice kindness wherever you are. You may even discover that you will be blessed more than the other person is!
