Kindness [Spiritual Sundays]

I placed down my stuff on the table near the work area inside the prison’s clinic. Another night and as I just went in, I saw that there were so many charts with doctors’ orders waiting to be noted by the jail nurses.


The PM nurses appeared tired. They had a busy shift, too. Their eyes lit up as I walked in. My entrance signaled that their shift was nearing its end.


I took a deep breath and gathered whatever strength I had, knowing what awaited for me.


Before working, I usually have the habit of checking my mailbox, in case I have a memo from either my supervisors or other co-workers. Inside the tiny box, I saw a white envelope addressed to my name. I wondered where it came from as I rarely get cards like that, except for Christmas when co-workers usually exchange little gifts or Christmas greeting cards.


I was surprised when I found out that it had a little gift of a nice bookmark and a sweet note from the nurse, newly-hired by the Sheriff’s. She was the one I worked with when my night was chaotic at Intake.


This was what I got from her:

 
 

[The bookmark says: "It is by believing in roses that one brings them to bloom."]
 
 
 
We all know that even a little kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life… When our lives are changed by God’s mercy, we are expected to show this same mercy as we deal with others. It’s only God Who can change our hearts. We can’t brag about the goodness that we show. It’s all from Him. And as we follow the Lord, and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we strive to be more like Him.


Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” [NIV].


Actions do speak louder than words. And so it is with Christian lives. We affect others by what we say or do. Whether we are with family, friends, even strangers, God wants us to always treat others with the utmost care and respect.


When we help out someone, we don’t know that we are making their day. Expect nothing back but do things with love. My co-worker thought I made her day. She didn’t know she blessed me more than she could imagine. Because then, I knew at that moment when I was reading that card, that I hoped I pleased no one but God.


So….take the risk of reaching out….the way God reached out to you…


Zechariah 7:9,10 - “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts, do not think evil of each other.” [NIV]


Galatians 6:9,10 - “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.”
 

Colossians 3:12 - “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”


Ephesians 4:32 - “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”


1 Corinthians 13:4 - “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”


Ephesians 2:7 - “And now God can always point to us as examples of how very, very rich his kindness is, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.”

For more encouraging posts, please visit Spiritual Sundays, hosted by 2 sweet women, sisters Charlotte and Ginger. God bless you all.

31 comments:

  1. God bless her lovely gesture. I love you sweet sister.

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  2. How nice to receive the thoughtful gift! We affect everyone around us whether we think we do or not. We are being watched! How wonderful that you were encouraged in this way. Thank you for sharing and have a lovely weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  3. what you say here is so true. We can't tell what someone is going through just by looking at them so if we reach out, smile, be kind - we don't know if that kindness came at a time they may have wanted to give up or felt like no one cared. You have a big heart. Blessings to you friend. Sarah

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  4. I've had similar experiences of just trying to be a little friendly or thoughtful and someone later telling me it made their day. I thought it was such a little thing. I think this shows that many people probably live without the daily politeness and friendliness that many of us experience daily in our homes and begin to take for granted. The little things are often the big things. Good post.

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  5. A call, a card, a single smile can mean all the difference in the world.

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  6. What a kind gesture this was. You are so right. We never know when we do something nice for someone whether it will make their day, This world would be so much better if everyone would follow this example. I'm glad you shared it with us.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  7. I want to thank you SO MUCH for this sweet reminder -- never to discount those with whom we brush shoulders. A smile, a simple gesture may be Everything to someone else. This, I know ... in another time, long ago, I was the benficiary of others' random acts of kindness. Seemingly inconsequential offerings turned my day, my outlook right around again. God bless your sweet co-worker!

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  8. Praising GOD for the spirit of encouragement that faithfully comes when we need it most. What an awesome GOD we serve. You are truly HIS faithful servant. I stand amazed as I read your journey. You are an inspiration to me and many others.
    I am continuing to storm the heavens for you, sweet friend. Praying for a miraculous healing of the body for you and praising GOD for all HE will continue to do through you.
    Blessings, andrea

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  9. What a sweet thing to do! Thinking outside of ourselves can really make a difference in someone else's life. For Sure! I think if we all stop and listen, I am sure the Holy Spirit leads us to do many more things like that than we actually go through with. Lord, Help us to see the bigger picture!

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  10. What a lovely thing to do! Sometimes things like that have happened to me and everytime I look at the gift it makes me smile. Such a small thing can bring such joy!


    Blessings,
    Jean

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  11. Kindness! We are never going to be too kind. I'm glad you shared this experience with us. It is very encouraging. We live at a very fast pace and need to learn to slow down, notice others more and be KIND.

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  12. That is a beautiful post, thank you. Actions truly do speak louder than words. Sometimes the little things mean so much.

    God bless you Anne

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  13. What a sweet~~sweet thing for her to do. It is so nice to work with people who have such a kind heart.
    Blessings,
    Ginger

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  14. I'm glad you received a little blessing like that. How sweet!

    God bless you dear Sister,
    Beth

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  15. Thank you for this good reminder. There were two kindnesses shown: yours and the giver of the bookmark.

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  16. That was so sweet of her to repay your kindness.I know your calm manner helped her greatly on a very trying day! Thank you for being such a wonderful ambassador for Him!

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  17. I love your post, it is truely touching. Love casting crowns but have never heard this beautiful song before. Thank you for the reminder that it really doesn't take much to make someone feel better. Sometimes it's only a smile, but that smile says so much.
    Have a blessed day, I'm sending a great big smile to you.
    Kathleen

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  18. how sweet~
    what a good reminder to always remember that the little things really do make a difference!
    have a blessed sunday~
    chasity

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  19. I can just imagine how grateful that nurse was for your Godly encouragement at a needed time in her life. I wish I worked with you....at this point I'd settle for just munching on a plate of cookies with you...hahahaha.

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  20. I remember reading the post you are speaking of. It's amazing what the Lord can do through us when we just move aside and let Him work. To the world you may be just one person but to one person you may be the world.

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  21. You are doing God's work! May He protect you always.

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  22. I'm encourage.
    Thanks for sharing.
    A beautiful blog.
    Have a blessed week.
    Regina
    My old post I'm sharing today "SpitualSunday"

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  23. Sweet, caring, surprises like that mean so much. Bless you for the work you do, blessing others.

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  24. Thank you for your testimony! You may have helped many more by putting this "out there" for others to read!

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  25. I so agree with your text today. One never knows when the smallest greeting, favor or even just a smile can make someones day. Your sweet gift made your day, yet it was a small gesture of thankfulness that came your way because you made a difference in that persons life. A difference you were not even aware of. That is what being a christian is all about. Patience and love for people around you comes naturally. God bless you.

    Jeanne

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  26. Hi! so nice that you stopped by my place today!

    I just popped in to say hello. I really enjoyed your beautiful blog and the post about the gift is very special...I love hearing about small random acts of kindness. They are never small to the recipient!

    Bless you,
    Susan

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  27. We just never know. God blesses us in so unexpecting ways. What a beautiful gift. Blessings to you dear one. ♥

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  28. ((Rosel))
    I am so glad that someone recognized and acknowledged the beautiful person that you are by reaching out and doing something special for you! You are such a hard worker for the Lord my friend and sometimes we need those special little reminders that lift us up - it helps brighten our days and gives us a lift in our step. Thank the Lord that she was faithful to give you that small little gift of how very special you are to those around you!

    The other day I was at Goodwill - I had such a heavy heart - yet didn't know why. I just needed to get away from everything and lose myself in some "retail therapy". I found a book called "The Case For Faith" by Lee Strobel. I took it up to the counter and was about to pay for it, when the cashier looked at me and began to talk to me about the Lord and what He means to her in her life. She must have talked for a good 5 minutes while everyone in my line stood and listened to her. She had such a radiant look on her face and in her eyes that I couldn't take my eyes off of her and I was moved to tears! She spoke about faith in her life and how God is always with us daily. I went away from that conversation feeling like God had blessed me at that moment by putting her in my path to remind me of what is really important. I, too felt that I was just given a gift! God knows just what we need at the right moment and the closer I am to HIM in my life - I experience more and more of His merciful grace - just what I need everyday!

    I am so glad that God recognized your need and gave you a little reminder of His tender care and love for you dear sister!
    You are so wonderful and loved by those of us who are privileged to call you a friend.
    Blessings to you today!
    Kymber

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  29. I can't help but recall those times when I was on the receiving end of a God-sent kindness. More than once I've been reduced to grateful tears by the simplest, humblest of them. Gifts from the heart are priceless!

    Be blessed,
    Kathleen

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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