Small Acts of Kindness
John Telgren


He couldn't believe what he saw. He drove around the block to see if he saw what he thought he did. Sure enough, there was a lady on a wheelchair trying to shovel her driveway with a snow shovel. He noticed many drivers going by straining their necks to see this unusual sight. "Hmmmm," he thought to himself, "I wonder if I should stop and help." There were still a bunch of errands he needed to get done before it got dark. Then he remembered, "I am a Christian. My Lord washed his disciples feet, and one of them had become his enemy." With that, he stopped the car and got out. She looked started at first as he walked toward her. Then she smiled. "Would it be okay if I were to help?" He asked. With a smile on her face, she handed him the snow shovel. Then she said, "I am trying to clear it off so I can get in and out on my chair." The city snow plows had gone by and created a hard mound of snow at the end of her drive way. He introduced himself and then went to work on the driveway. The snow was hard and icy at the end of the driveway. There would have been no way she would have gotten it off in her wheel chair. After he finished, he looked up and saw she was still smiling. He handed the shovel back to her. The look on her face was one of deep appreciation. "Will that do it?" He asked. "Yes, and then some," she replied. "God bless, and have a happy New Year," he said. He could see the look of relief on her face that the job was done. He know another snow would be coming, so he made a mental note to go by again and see if she might need help.

Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. He washed his disciples feet. He provided and example to follow. Christians are people who spend and are willing to be spent as the follow the example of Christ. I remember a brother several years ago saying he didn't mind doing any kind of service, contributing to a good cause, or doing some sort of benevolent work in the name of Christ. After, Jesus is the ultimate example of selfless service. One of the things that has always stood out about Christians is their benevolence and love. From the very beginning, this was perhaps one of the most noticeable qualities both friends and enemies noticed about Christians. Jesus himself said that love is a sign of discipleship (Jn 13:35).

Years ago, I heard a story about a woman who had just about lost hope, and stumbled onto a church and walked in asking, "Is this the church that helps people?" The brethren all came together to help this single mother, from repair of her car, to helping her get a new home for her family and finding a job. She was overwhelmed at the benevolent goodwill of these brethren. She experienced the love of God through these brethren. She became a Christian and promptly began a lifestyle of helping other people even through her humble means. She felt it a great blessing to have the ability to help other people.

As we begin a new year, remember what it means to be a Christian. Not only are we a holy people, we are also a compassionate people, full of mercy.