A Simple Ac of Kindness – Sunday, June 09, 1985
We speak, in religion, of having Christlike love and compassion, but is it something of which we just speak? Perhaps we dwell too much on theology and not enough on religion, too much on theory and not enough on application, too much dogma to the neglect of charity and brotherly kindness.
It is, after all, the application of our faith that gives it meaning. It is not belief alone which makes a man happy or even wise, but the translation of religious doctrine into a living creed of good will and grace.
Indeed, the ministry of Him who gave Christianity its name was not only of thought and philosophy but of compassion and love.
We see darkly and understand not a lot in this confusing and transitory march through existence. But behavior, and especially kindness, can be lucid and clearly understood.
It is kindness which converts, kindness which persuades, kindness which lifts the burdened shoulders, dries desperate tears and raises despondent spirits.
Because life is made up mostly not of catastrophic events nor historic happenings, but of daily and usually routine activities, our acts of kindness must fit the daily needs of those whose lives we touch.
Not all can save a person’s life, nor will even have the opportunity—but each can save a day in the life of a friend or rescue an hour from discouragement and despair.
The smallest acts of kindness sometimes have the greatest effect: A short visit to one for whom no visitors come, the ring of a phone to break the silence of a lonely afternoon, a quiet word of encouragement for those who wait in quiet desperation for some sign of caring.
A simple act of kindness, offered freely, generously from a loving heart speaks more eloquently of God’s eternal love for man than all the platitudes of saints and sages can. It is from such acts of kindness that we gain more holiness, patience, compassion.
True, kindness is not all. It is not food, nor clothing, nor shelter against the storm; but many a thirsty soul—dejected, hopeless, and forlorn—has hungered, withered, and expired for lack of it.
June 09, 1985
Broadcast Number 2,912