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We should always be kind and considerate of others because in life everyone
struggles and needs to see kindness and compassion and shown that good
still exists. Just as we have struggled in the past and wished someone was
there to lift us up, we must have that same thoughtfulness of others and
be for them what they can't be for themselves. It is simply following the
command of the Lord to love your neighbor as you love yourself. (Mark 12:31)
We are not moving mountains and doing the impossible. By showing the love
and mercy of God, we are simply leading our life by the example that He has
set forth and commands us to follow. Be encouraged to go out of your way
for someone else. Be kind, compassionate, encouraging and simply show
your love and mercy to that one who needs to be lifted up. You will find
more joy in your own heart by helping others than you ever would by simply
passing them by. (John 13:15-17) (1 Peter 3:8-12) (Galatians 6:4)
I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to have a kindness
and compassion filled day, week and even year. Be an example of Christ's
love and share with others what the Lord has shared with you.
A CONSPIRACY OF KINDNESS
My friend Randy Jessen tells this true story of love and kindness. It is a
little longer than our usual fare, but I think you will find it well worth
reading!
If you had to choose one word to describe Kevin, it might be “slow.” Kevin
didn't learn his ABCs as fast as other kids. He never came in first in the
schoolyard races. However, Kevin had a special rapport with people. His
bright smile and big heart won him plenty of friends.
When Kevin discovered that the pastor at his church, Randy Jessen, was
putting together a boys basketball team, his mother let him participate.
And soon basketball became a center of Kevin's life. He worked hard at
practice. While the other boys practiced dribbling and lay-ups, Kevin shot
baskets. He had a special spot near the free throw line. He threw and
threw the ball, and it occasionally went in! When that happened, Kevin
raised his arms and shouted, “Look at me, Coach!”
The day before their first game, Coach Randy gave each player a bright red
jersey. Kevin was number 12. He scrambled himself into the sleeves and
wore that jersey almost every day. One Sunday morning, the church service
was interrupted by Kevin's excited voice. “Look, Coach!” He lifted his gray
wool sweater to reveal the red jersey underneath with number 12 on the
front. Nobody minded the interruption; the church knew Kevin and loved him.
I'd like to be able to tell you that the team did well. Actually, they
never won a game that season -- except for the night it snowed and the
other team never showed up. At the end of the season, the boys played in
the church league's tournament. As the last-place team, they drew the
unfortunate spot of playing against the first-place team -- boys who had
never lost a game all year.
The game went as expected, and near the end of the fourth quarter Kevin's
team stood nearly 30 points behind. It was then that one of the boys called
timeout. “Coach,” he said, “this is our last game and Kevin's never made a
basket. I think we should let him make a basket.” The team agreed. Kevin
was instructed to stand at his special place near the free throw line and
wait. He was told that when he was given the ball, he should shoot.
Kevin was ecstatic. He ran to the floor and waited. When the ball was
passed to him he shot -- and missed. Number 17 from the other team
snatched the rebound, dribbled down the court for an easy lay-up. But a
moment later Kevin got the ball again. He shot -- and missed. Number 17
repeated his performance for another two points. Kevin shot a third and
fourth time with the same result.
But then the other team seemed to figure out what was going on and the
next time they snatched the rebound, they threw it to Kevin! Kevin
shot...and missed. But now every rebound came to him and he threw and
threw toward the basket.
Both teams had circled Kevin by this time and all of the boys were
shouting, “Kevin! Kevin!” The crowd took up the chant. Soon everyone in
the gym was shouting for Kevin! Coach Randy was sure the game should have
been over by this time and he glanced at the clock. It was stopped at 4.3
seconds! The timekeepers were standing by their table shouting with the
crowd, “Kevin! Kevin!” The world had stopped for Kevin. He shot and shot
and finally one of his shots took a crazy bounce on the rim and...went in!
Chaos reigned! Everyone stood and cheered as if one boy had single-
handedly won a world championship. Kevin's arms sprang up in the air and
he shouted, “I won! I won!” His team escorted him off the court, the clock
ticked down and the game was over.
That day an undefeated team retained their perfect record. But everybody
won. Everybody! Because everybody had participated in a crazy conspiracy
of kindness, a simple act of mercy, that was so compelling, so powerful,
that I'm sure all of heaven rejoiced!
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 “...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them
that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an Holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who
hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light: Which in time
past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not
obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken
spirit drieth the bones.”
John 15:9-11 Jesus declares, “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved
you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in
My love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in His
love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My Joy might remain in you,
and that your Joy might be full.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: THE ROAD
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem83.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: HOW GOD USED CANCER TO BLESS ME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony145.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
