Simple Acts of Kindness
by Al Linton, Elder
Mathew 7:7-11 Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find: knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives: the one who seeks finds: and the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophet.
To me this says, yes ask and it will be given. But it also says we need to give. We need to give back as much as possible. And I don’t mean just tithing, although that’s part of it. It’s giving of ourselves to others.
How often do we ignore those in need? How often do we give a stone when asked for bread? Our Father wouldn’t! One of the first things I was taught as a child was in today’s scripture passage––“Do to others what you would have them do to you (v11)–– often referred to as “the Golden Rule.” If we remembered and applied this every day, the world would be a better place.
We also need to understand that sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference in someone’s life. Everyone has different needs and wants. In this time of Lent and fasting, it’s a good time to focus on others. It doesn’t have to be financial. It could be giving a ride to a neighbor to the store; a sharing of prayer and worship; a phone call to ask and encourage those in need. It’s the little things that can mean a lot.
We are each other’s keepers. God put us here to help each other. Remember to do the little things. God will take care of the big things. Keep and live “the Golden Rule.” And remember the second most important commandment––Love each other (Matthew 22:39). It’s what we all want and need.
Prayer: Dear Father, we ask that we live by Your word and the Golden Rule. As we go through Lent, help us to focus on others as well throughout our day, and be kind to each other. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, Amen
