Kindness, Requested or Not

Chuckle: Patient: "Help me, Doc. I can't remember anything for more than a few minutes. It's driving me crazy!" Doctor: "How long has this been going on?" Patient: "How long has what been going on?"

Quote: "Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence and learning." –Frederick W. Faber'

"Now swear to me by the LORD that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you" (Joshua 2:12 NLT).

Everyone desires to experience kindness. When someone shows an act of kindness to us, it makes us feel loved and accepted. It tells us we have value in the eyes of the one offering the kindness and encourages us to make similar gestures to others who may need of our kindness and compassion.

The words in our passage were spoken by Rahab, the prostitute, who had hidden the spies sent by Joshua to gather strategic information about the promised land, especially about the city of Jericho, in preparation for the upcoming battle. She had risked her life to give shelter to the Israelite spies in her house which was likely built into the city wall. God directed the spies to Rahab's house because He knew her heart was receptive to Him and that she could provide the key to a successful siege of Jericho. Even her sordid past did not prevent God from using her to accomplish His purpose.

Rahab was aware that as the warriors of the Israelite army advanced across the promised land, their reputation preceded them and it was well known that the one and only true God was with them and helped them conquer every foe. In return for her help, Rahab asked only for kindness, not for herself alone but for her entire family. I'm sure the two spies understood the dangers facing Rahab if her king found out that she was aiding and abetting the enemy. "We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety," the men agreed. "If you don't betray us, we will keep our promise when the LORD gives us the land" (vs. 14 NLT).

Rahab's request for kindness came because she saw something special and good in the spies. Do people see in your life the evidence of the God you serve? Is God's power revealed in you to the extent that people realize the authenticity of your faith and are drawn to you. If so, more than likely they will seek your kindness with questions about God. How open are you to the need to show kindness even if it is not requested. God shows kindness toward us because He loves us. Shouldn't we show kindness to others for the same reason -- because we love them. . . .

The greatest kindness you can offer anyone is to share your testimony about God's great love and what He has done for you. Your act of kindness can be used by the Holy Spirit to draw people into God's kingdom through their faith in Jesus Christ.

Love, Jerry & Dotse