Jesus dying on the cross on our behalf tops the list of acts of kindness done for us. And every act of kindness we do for one another is a reflection of Christ’s sacrifice. The following stories from five different individuals show how people emulating Christ have blessed others.
One
When I was six, I missed the latter part of first grade because of a kidney infection. The local hospital termed it “incurable” and released me to die at home. But my dad and mom wouldn’t give up on me. My dad took me to Cleveland Clinic and stayed in Cleveland so he could be with me every visiting hour. The hospital team eventually cured the infection with major doses of penicillin. Penicillin is a wonder drug.
Two
God sends the right person at the right time. Several years ago, I was hauling a pickup truck load of wool bales from a sheep ranch in Wyoming to the wool warehouse at Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
While en route on I-90, I had a flat tire and had to pull over. The only way to get to the spare was by unloading some of the 800–900 pound wool bales. There was no way I could reload them alone.
Before I even got the vehicle jacked up to remove the flat, a local rancher pulled up to offer help. He had seen me from the opposite lane and made a U-turn on the interstate. He took time out of his busy day and went out of his way to render assistance to a fellow rancher.
Somehow, the two of us managed to wrestle those wool bales back onto the truck. They were originally loaded with a tractor! It is still a mystery how we did that.
To this day, that man’s selflessness stands in my mind as an example of integrity by which to guide my life, as the apostle Paul admonishes us in I Corinthians.
Three
My parents sacrificed for me to attend academy because they believed Christian education was important. My mother was a stay-at-home mom, and I had two younger siblings. Two cousins lived close by and we did everything together, including attending the same boarding school. I considered them siblings.
When it was time for the academy school banquet, my mother sewed my banquet dress, a beautiful full-length white brocade with a short cape. To my surprise, my younger cousin bought me a fancy white clutch to match.
I knew his family was in no better financial position than mine, and I have no idea where he found the money for that thoughtful gift. I still consider it one of the kindest acts.
Four
Last year I had a random act of kindness shown to me. I had a three-hour layover at the Minneapolis airport and needed something to eat. I found a buffet restaurant with many options.
Since I had time in-between flights, I took my time deciding what to purchase. I noticed a lady buying food using coupons. After a few minutes of trying to make a decision, she came to me and asked if I would like a $20 coupon for the restaurant.
I was shocked at first, and then said, “Yes, thank you very much!” There are still kind and thoughtful people out there!
Five
Once, I was in the self-checkout lane at the grocery store. The young man ahead of me was leaving and I noticed he had forgotten his change. I called out to him and he came back. He saw it was a $1 bill. He handed it to me, but I refused. However he insisted, so I took it and thanked him.
Compiled by Jacquie Biloff.
