“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matt. 10:42, NKJV).
My husband tells an impactful story from twenty-five years ago. He recalls an experience he had not long after he quit his job to go into full-time ministry. He remembers sitting on the curb, crying in frustration. He had left behind a flourishing career in professional soccer to obey God’s call on his life. He had sacrificed the euphoria of cheering stadium crowds. He had left behind the security of a generously overflowing wallet. Alone and broke, he found his new status a shock to his system.
He had nothing. In his discouragement, he cried out to the Lord. “I don’t even have enough money right now to buy a soda!” he prayed between his tears. A short while later, he heard footsteps approaching. He looked up at a friendly face smiling at him. A loving grandma-type sister from church patted his shoulder. She then handed him a few coins. Cheerfully, she encouraged him, “Buy yourself a snack and a beverage, on me!” Amazed, he watched her walk away. He got up, bought himself that soda, and his courage was renewed.
I have heard him tell that story from time to time. From the way he tells it, it’s evident what a mark that woman’s kindness left on his heart. Although so many years ago, he remembers it vividly. She provided exactly what he needed that day to keep going. In her eyes, her gift may have seemed insignificant. But it helped shape the course of his lifetime.
Has someone you know been coming to your mind recently? Most likely, that is not a random thought. In all likelihood, that is Holy Spirit bringing them to your attention. Obey the nudge. Make that call. Send that text. Follow through with that act of kindness. It may seem small to you. But you may actually be providing the strength that precious soul needs to make it one more day. Who knows? You may even just leave a mark that they will never forget for the rest of their life.
My friend, never underestimate the power of a simple gesture of love.
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Do you have a memory of someone’s kindness to you that changed your life? I’d love to hear about it 🙂
Feeding On Jesus 
When I read this I got a chance to kiss kindness.
Shallom!
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That is such a beautiful way to say it! Shalom to you as well, my friend 🙂
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😇🥰
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Chuck Stanford, 1977 in California, changed my life FOREVER! His kindness, his faith and his love and obedience were instrumental in my receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour! Nothing could be greater. Len Wisniewski So much more then a gesture of kindness.
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How wonderful! Is he still alive?
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A wonderful memory and yes so very true, how the little acts of kindness can be priceless and leave a mark never forgotten!
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Thank you so much for sharing your thought! By the way, is Joy your first name? What do you like to be called on here?
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God has blessed me so many times through the generosity of others—gifts both big and small. One time the gift came from someone I barely knew—a new colleague who was to also be my older daughter’s teacher that year. She knew what it was like to have to wait on your paycheck (at that time in the district, new teachers didn’t receive anything until late September!) She also had a big family of her own and knew what it was like to be in transition and have all the beginning of the school year needs. Her gift was simple, but it meant the world to me. She had two cute little tote bags that she filled with school supplies for my daughters. I’m pretty sure I cried when she handed them to me. She also told me her own story of needing help through tough times (and here she was—a veteran teacher who looked like she had always had it all together!) It’s been 16 years, but I’ll never forget it!
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Aw, that touches my heart so much to read it. That is SO special, and indeed, unforgettable! Thank you so much for sharing it, Lindsey 🙂 ❤
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Thank you. Yes memories have flooded my mind. Simple acts of kindness coming from God’heart have peppered my life. My husband like in the story above was a teacher and we were transferred to a small country school. This school had simple uniforms intended to make all students feel included and welcomed despite various social backgrounds. I had three small children and with all the changes and shock of transition from more city living this seemed a big hurdle…… i was a not very competent home dressmaker, and money was scarce.
A farmers wife from a nearby selection turned up on our doorstep with a package and a big smile of welcome. She handed me three small uniforms two for the boys and a pretty blue tunic for our daughter. Her act of kindness began our life in the community which is our home today. You have reminded me today with thanks to God for this long-ago incident and the kindness from someone who had so little natural resources but a heart of care.
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Aw, my heart thrills with the powerful love in her gesture! How perfectly beautiful! Such a special kiss from Daddy God 🙂 ❤
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I’ve been blessed by many such people. They certainly are a blessing!
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They make life so much richer, don’t they? 🙂
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Surely your kindness cup overflows…. thanks so much for blessing my heart! ❤️❤️❤️
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Aw you are so welcome! ❤
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🥰❤️😍
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Yes. I have encountered many situations in my life similar to those related above. The only possible answer to the question in my mind was, “God is providing!” Sometimes it may be “just the right words,” — nothing material. I remember being sick and confined to bed for a few days by my doctor. One friend came to make sure I had food and drink so I did not have to fetch it. A couple from church, took my two older children for those days, so I could stay in bed. My little one was nursing, so she was with me. Then my husband ended up in a hospital. Talking with another friend on the phone, I was telling her how bereft I was feeling. She said, “Just remember, he tells us he will never give us more than we can bear without providing us a way to deal with it.” Those were the words — along with the other acts of kindness — that got me and my little one through those days. Since that time, I have never doubted God’s love for me. If He loves me — little, insignificant me — this much; He loves you too! Never doubt it! Blessings!
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Wow. This testimony of His faithful kindness through His other children is truly so moving. It blesses my heart, and I am SO very grateful you took the time to share it! How beautiful that He showed you His love in such an unforgettable way!
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Yes, it is beautiful! If we are truly seeking His will in any situation, He ensures we will receive knowledge of His will and the strength to carry it out!
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So, SO wonderfully true! Thank you again 🙂
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