“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” – 1 John 4:12
I think we sometimes underestimate the impact that acts of kindness can have on the lives of people around us. We can forget that simply smiling at someone as you pass them on the street can have the power to change the course of their entire day. I recently had an experience that has been an excellent reminder of just how important it is to be faithful to extend love the way Jesus did.
One day I decided to take a detour on the way to my barber appointment. As I swung around the building, I happened to spot a dollar bill near the curb. Much to my surprise, when I looked closer, it was a $20! I jumped out, looking for someone who might have lost it, but I was all alone. “Wow, Lord, that’s cool. What do You want me to do with this?”, I thought to myself. If I ever find unexpected cash, I ask the Lord, “Is this for me, or for someone else?” As I was jumping back into the car, I heard the Lord say, “It’s for Sharon.” Sharon is my barber.
That interaction made my next errand quite interesting. I opened the front door, quickly sliding into my chair as Sharon buttoned the cape securely around my neck. “How ya doing, Sharon?” I asked. She looked tired. The shop had been short staffed since Covid, and both customers and employees were more on edge. She shared comfortably, “People just aren’t that nice sometimes. I’m just glad to have a job.”
After she finished my haircut, I looked her in the mirror and said, “Sharon, you’ve done a great job with me today, and I know you are a professional person in all you do. I’m sorry that circumstances are hard right now, but I appreciate you, and God loves you.” At that, she smiled, saying, “Now stop that, you’re gonna make me cry.”
I gave the usual generous tip, but this time I had the opportunity to do it differently. “Sharon, a few minutes ago I found a $20 in the parking lot and I asked God what to do with it. I felt Him say to give it to you.” I pulled out the additional $20 and said, “God sees you, Sharon. Can I pray for you?” Tears were flowing now, and even with customers waiting, she placed her hand in mine and I blessed her in Jesus’ name.
Although I love endings where people receive the love that I extend, they’re not guaranteed. In Sharon’s case her heart was moved the instant I showed kindness. But even if I don’t get the immediate response I would like in the moment, I still aim to love as Jesus loved, without self-preservation or expectation. The kindness of strangers can be the face of God to a desperate world, and I want to be a vessel for Him in the day to day.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” John 13:34
By: Rusty Geverdt
