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Being kind goes beyond mere friendliness and politeness. The Apostle Paul witnessed the true essence of kindness when he was shipwrecked on the island of Malta.
Acts 28:2 says,
“The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.”
Acts 28:2, English Standard Version
Paul probably didn’t anticipate such a warm reception. Yet, he encountered extraordinary kindness: strangers treating him like family and caring for him in his time of need. These strangers embodied God’s kindness.
True kindness entails recognizing that every person matters, not just you and your loved ones. The kindness shown by the islanders is described as “unusual”—it went far beyond what anyone would expect.
Imagine being an island resident on Malta. It’s a chilly, rainy day, and you’re inside by the fire, preparing a hot meal. Looking outside, the world seems damp. Suddenly, you spot a figure emerging from the sea. As you focus, you realize they’re not alone. Stepping out for a closer look, you see a massive ship breaking apart on your shore, likely a Roman vessel. Despite feeling apprehensive, you put on your shoes and rush out to help. Your neighbors join in, building fires and providing blankets and dry clothes. Unbeknownst to you, one of these men will soon share a divine message with you.
Reflecting on God’s kindness toward us inspires us to extend the same kindness to others. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize the value in every individual and treat them with compassion and respect.
Heavenly Father, You showed us true kindness when You sent Your Son to become like us. We were distant, far-off from You, eternally separated from You by our sin; but You bridged that distance, sending Your Son to take on flesh and become humankind. Please teach me to be kind like Jesus: to see the full humanity and value of every person I encounter, and to treat them like brothers and sisters. In the name of Jesus I pray: amen.
Listen now to the short version of this Abide meditation, “Kindness,” based on Acts 28:2. Let God speak to your heart about how you treat others.
Let Abide be your daily companion as you learn to show kindness to everyone. Our more than 1500 biblical meditations all exist to help you draw closer to God and be more like Jesus. Download the app and start a premium subscription. This will gain you access to our entire library of content. Use this link for 25% off.
