Sometimes, I wish I could be a powerful evangelist or have the gift of healing or know how to initiate life changing movements. But I am realising the importance of treasuring all that God has made me to be and the unique gifts and traits that he has put into my life.
I may not be a powerful evangelist or see lots of people healed, but I am still called to witness about Jesus and pray for those needing his healing touch. Jesus told us that we were all chosen to bear fruit and I find it awesome that, when I step out in his love, he will bring beautiful lasting fruit. All my concern that I’m not like others is needless as God only wants me to be like him and gives me the gift of his wonderful Holy Spirit to help me.
But I’m discovering something we are all called to walk in that is very powerful and needed, whatever our gifts: God’s kindness and compassion. I have felt deeply humbled by people’s kindness since I had a bad fall while walking Marilyn’s guide dog and fractured my shoulder, badly impacting what I’m able to do. It can be hard to understand sometimes why difficult things happen in life but I am finding that God can use even the toughest situations to show us more of his love. From the man who offered us a lift all the way home from Norfolk, to the many who have sent cards, treats or offered practical help, I’ve been surrounded by kindness which is daily enabling me to take hold of God’s love in a deeper way.
Paul taught the Colossians: ‘Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.’ (Colossians 3:12)
If I root myself in the fact that God has made me holy and loves me as his beloved child, then it’s so much easier to reach out with kindness and gentleness to all around me, even those who are humanly difficult to love. Kindness breaks through societal divisions and touches the hardest and most cynical hearts. Jesus manifested kindness constantly, giving time to listen to people who were despised, touching lepers, cooking breakfast for his demoralised friends, giving food to the hungry and affirming those caught up in sin. The examples are endless and so are the ways we can walk in kindness today. Kindness changes lives and opens doors that would otherwise stay shut. It heals wounds of rejection and sets captives free. he greatest thing is that choosing to be kind is something we can all do! I know how it's touched me and I certainly want to give that back to all I meet.
