Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), a reflection of God’s love that can turn difficult moments into blessings. We often think of kindness as simple gestures —holding the door open, sharing a smile—but sometimes, God shows us kindness in ways we never expected.
Years ago, when my children were young. I had the privilege of teaching CCD, now known as Faith Formation. One of the ways I taught the children about living out their faith was through a simple image: I told them that we each carry an invisible basket. It starts out empty, and each time we do something kind, thoughtful, or loving, we drop a little gem into it. Over time, through a life of kindness and love, our basket fills. And someday- a long, long time from now - when it is our turn to meet Jesus in heaven, we’ll carry with us a basket full of the goodness we shared in our journey.
A few summers ago, I was reminded of that invisible basket in a very real and unexpected way. My family and I were on our way to our annual vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina —a treasured tradition shared with several families, all packed into one big rented house. It was a time filled with fun, laughter, excitement, and memories that we all shared and cherished deeply. However, this particular year did not begin so joyfully.
As usual, we drove in a convoy of cars. While traveling through New Jersey, something went wrong with our car. We had no choice but to pull over on the turnpike- stranded, with three kids in the backseat, including my son’s friend who had joined the trip. We texted our travel group to let them know. Next, we called my very resourceful father-in-law. He had spent many years working in the automobile inventory parts industry. He had built many strong relationships over the years. Sure enough, when we called him, he said, “I actually know someone in the exact town where you are stuck; let me give him a call.” Soon, a tow truck arrived and brought us to a local mechanic shop.
As we arrived, the owner greeted and shook my husband’s hand. “I’ve known your father for many years,” he said warmly. “ Don’t worry- I’m going to help and take great care of you.” And he truly did. The shop didn’t have the parts they needed on hand, so we were told it would take about 5 hours to complete the repair. With three kids and no car, we braced ourselves for a long, frustrating wait. Instead, we were met with overwhelming kindness. The shop owner ordered pizza for lunch, joked with the kids, and made them laugh. His mechanics worked efficiently, and just four hours later, our car was ready to go. Then came another surprise: before we left, the owner handed an envelope to the kids and said, “Don’t open this until you get to the Outer Banks.” Inside was money for ice cream. Even more amazing - he refused to charge for the labor, only the parts.
To this day, my children remember this. Every time I think back to it, I’m reminded of how God’s kindness flows through people, sometimes in the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times.
Later that night, we shared the experience with everyone in our vacation house- all 20 of us. – and you could feel the inspiration in the room. This stranger’s generosity touched everyone.
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
The kindness we received that day refreshed our spirits, turned an inconvenience into a blessing, and reminded us that God places good people in our paths at just the right moments.
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Kindness isn’t just about big gestures. It’s about being present. It’s about caring, respectfulness, and paying attention to others. - When you show kindness, you inspire others to do so too.
Prayer For Kindness
O Lord, give me Strength today to show kindness in all that I do.
Help me to open my arms to those less fortunate and extend my hand to those who may need it, so that they may see you in my kind words and actions.
Amen
Prayer from: Guidedbyprayer.com
