In 2017, Calvin Christian School will share a blog from a local pastor every month. This month, we share a post titled "Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness" from children's pastor Gina Sur at North Coast Church Vista.
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I recently attended a conference where one of my main take-aways was the simple truth that little things can turn into big things. Now I know what you’re thinking. That’s pretty simple, alright! But before you urge me to demand a refund, consider this:
The story of Jesus feeding 5,000 is recounted in all four gospels. We learn that the crowds followed Jesus as he attempted to find solitude, and because of his great compassion for the people, he taught them and healed those who were sick (Luke 9:10-11). Jesus was also concerned for the physical needs of the people, and did not want to send them away hungry (Matthew 15:32). As dusk approached, the disciples urged Jesus to dismiss the crowds so they could leave and get something to eat since they were gathered in a remote place. But Jesus answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:37). John 6:6 says that Jesus already knew what he was going to do with the five small loaves and two small fish that were offered by a boy. Each of the gospels then describes the miracle that happened next: after giving thanks, Jesus fed the crowd, which numbered over 10,000 including women and children. After everyone had eaten their fill, twelve baskets were needed to collect the leftovers.
Did you notice the adjective used to describe the loaves and fish? How about where they came from? Do you think the boy had any idea of what was to come when he offered his food? Imagine his mother’s reaction when she learned what happened. And how does Jesus respond to the disciples’ suggestion to dismiss the crowd? Do you think the disciples understood Jesus was inviting them to participate in a miracle? In this Biblical illustration of how little things can turn into big things, we see how a small act of kindness can be miraculously transformed in God’s hands. What does this story reveal about God’s heart? I see a God who has compassion for those who seek Him and divine provision using…us! It’s hard to understand why our almighty and sovereign God, who could meet needs with a single command, just as He spoke the universe into existence, desires to work with and through us — Creator in relationship with His creation — unless He not only desires this, He actually delights in it!
God doesn’t need our help to pull off a miracle or meet the needs of His people, what could be better than to be used by God? So ask yourself, “What little act of kindness can I do today that God could potentially turn into something miraculously big?” Invite someone to church. Offer grace. Listen actively. Say something nice. Share your smile. Practice patience. Tell a joke. Give a hug. Your so-called random act of kindness may not be so random in God’s eyes. And it just may be the small beginning of something He plans to make really big.
