Kindness Received, Kindness Given

A few years ago a movement called “Pass It Forward” became popular, largely based upon a movie. The idea was to pass on to others the kindnesses that we receive. The movie told the story of a boy who did so and sparked a wave of kindness through his school and family.

Psalm 41:1-3 says, “Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor. The Lord rescues them in times of trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain and discomfort.” The Lord is kind to us in our weaknesses. He rescues us when we face trouble. He protects us when we are weak. He cares for us when we are sick, easing our pain and discomfort. Therefore we should be kind and care for those who are also weak, passing forward the blessings that we receive and modeling the kindness of God.

Amazon Warehouse

Amazon has distribution centers around the country. Each center receives goods from a variety of suppliers with the goal and purpose of delivering these goods to consumers who purchase the items online. The distribution center would be useless and a harm to Amazon if it did not deliver goods as they were purchased.

Genesis 12:1-3 says, “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'” One of the important reasons that God blesses us is so that we can bless others with the blessings we have received. For instance, He loves us in such a way that we can love others. Don’t become useless to God, others, and yourself by failing to pass on the blessings you receive from God onto others.

Faithfulness

We seem to have a problem with faithfulness in our culture. Marriages and relationships break down at the slightest inconvenience. Our political opinions waffle with the seasons apparently. Our resolve to work hard and live uprightly seems to have vanished.

I Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” We are called by God for more than only salvation. He has called us to be conformed into His likeness and will faithfully perform the work of sanctifying us in our spirit, soul, and body , if we allow Him to do so.

Majesty

For us in the United States, the word majesty is not often used. We may speak of the majesty of the stars in the sky or some other natural phenomenom. Some may speak of majesty of a high profile event with dignataries or celebrities. According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary the word, majesty, means impressive stateliness, dignity, or beauty and royal power. Even this definition does not adequately describe the majesty of God.

I Chronicles 29:11 says, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” Consider who God is today and give Him praise. In His glorious majesty, God rules over all things and all peoples.

No More Pain

As I get older, I find that I have different kinds of pain. There are the pains of aging that I must choose to accept and mitigate as best possible. I also have sudden pains that cause me to go to a doctor and see what can be done to gain relief. Then, I have the emotional and mental scars that life inevitably brings our way.

Revelation 21:4-5 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Unfortunately , we have to endure some bad things in our lives on earth. But the good news for those who trust in the Lord is that He will remove all those bad things when we live with Him in heaven. That truth is something that we can rejoice in even now.