Word of the Week: Kind

Marilyn Irlbacher.  You’ve probably never heard of her.  And I doubt you will remember her name.  But you won’t forget her story.

She was only eight years old.  Living in a less than desirable foster care home.  She worried about the 50 cents she owed her school for some lost books.  Unless she paid the fine, Marilyn wouldn’t get her fourth-grade report card.

When she was told that was the case, little Marilyn ran from the school-house in tears. She didn’t have 50 cents.  And the very thought of asking her foster parents for the money terrified her.  As she ran down  the street, she didn’t see the tall man in her path until she ran into him.

“Here’s the rest of the story” In her own words.

“He asked me what was the matter, and I told him about the 50 cents. He reached into his pocket, took out two quarters, and in a kind voice said, ‘Things will be all right now.’

“Overjoyed to have the money, I paid for the books, got my report card, and shortly thereafter, my mother was able to take me back to live with her.

“The year was 1942; the world was at war. Our state of Florida was still in a depression, and that 50 cents was a lot of money in those days.

“To this day, every act of generosity I perform, every dime I give to a cause, is in honor of that man. I don’t remember his face. I only recall his brown shoes, which I saw first when I ran into him. His kindness to a crying child made all the difference in my life.”

The word of the week is “kind.”

The Bible says, “Love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4).

The Apostle Paul exhorted, “Be kind to one another” (Eph 4:32).

The character of the Christian is to be clothed in kindness (Col. 3:12).

Among the nine qualities called “the fruit of Spirit” is kindness.

Brotherly Kindness is one virtues that Peter says should be added to our faith (2 Peter 1:7).

Why does the Bible says so much about being kind? Because it is so easy to be unkind, to speak sharply, and to act in a way that lacks civility and common courtesy. Our fleshly nature is filled with pride, selfishness and an exaggerated sense of our importance. These are enemies of brotherly kindness.

In a world that is often insensitive, cold and calloused, Christians are called upon to be different. As we interact with our brethren, friends and family, let’s learn to be nice. Be considerate. Be caring. Be loving. Be patient. Be kind.

Kindness overlooks minor issues. Kindness encourages the weak, the novice, and the timid. Kindness lifts up the young and inspires them to greater service.

What act of kindness can I do today?

Is it a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling? A note of thanks for another’s thoughtfulness? A phone call to just say, “Hi, I’m thinking of you?” Maybe just a text message with a few kind words? Or a kind Facebook post for someone who is hurting, struggling or lonely.

Kindness may take the form of running an errand for someone. Or babysitting the children of a frazzled mother. Or visiting the sick or shut-in. Kindness may be a birthday card. Anniversary card. A get well card. Or  a check in the mail to someone struggling financially.

Kindness may be felt with a pat on the back. A squeeze of the hand. A hug. Or the twinkle of one’s eye and a knowing smile.

Mark Twain was right when he wrote, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”  Or, as Scott Adams wrote, “there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”

Who knows what impact your loving word, thoughtful gesture, or unselfish deed may have upon another? Who knows how far it may go, or how long it may last?  Just ask Marilyn Irlbacher.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman