“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” -2 Peter 1:5-7
Opportunities to be kind often present themselves in unexpected ways. When these opportunities arrive, we need to be ready to respond in a way that demonstrates the love of God that has been revealed to us through our Lord, Jesus. The challenge is to be kind when it is inconvenient. When we find our planned moments interrupted, we must dig in and remember who we are called to be.
Jesse Crum was at work in South Florida when a stranger walked into his office in need of help. Jesse is a real estate advisor at a large international business in Bonita Springs, Florida. Fred Cowen‘s Jr. walked into Jesse’s office, exhausted and covered in sweat. Fred had missed his bus after work and needed help getting home. To complicate matters further, Fred is deaf. Thankfully, Jesses was willing to take an extra moment and work to communicate with Fred. Fred asked for something to write with and then was able to communicate his problem to Jesse.
Without hesitation, Jesse picked up his keys, grabbed his belongings, and let his staff know he was taking Fred home. Fred lived several miles away, but Jesses knew Fred needed help. They jumped in the car, and Jesses drove Fred home. Along the way, they learned about each other. It turns out that Fred works just down the street from Jesse’s office. They have become friends since that day. On the drive home that day, they learned that they both share a love for Stephen King’s novels. Jesse said, “Outside of my mom, not many of my peers are into reading 700-page books.”
One moment of kindness opened the door for a new friendship. Local reporters interviewed Jesse and Fred about their new friendship. They were clear that they hoped they would also inspire others to connect. Fred would say, “We might have different cultures. But we’re all human. I’m deaf. Jesse’s hearing. But we get along just fine.”
Kindness bridges the gap between our differences. When we focus on our differences, we will struggle to get along. It is not always easy or convenient to be kind, but when we do, we can accomplish so much more. Kindness allows us to move beyond our selfish moments and see an opportunity to share God’s love with others.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
