The power of kindness and compassion
Matthew 10:42 “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Kindness and compassion are two traits which many people strive to exhibit and very few truly can demonstrate.
Obviously the only person ever who truly and perfectly demonstrated real kindness and compassion was Jesus. Our verse for this week is part of a larger section of the Bible where Jesus encourages those who would follow him and live a life of faith to be totally committed to him more than any person, thing or cause in this world.
More specifically, our verse for this week is an example of how such commitment to Jesus is demonstrated in true and loving kindness and compassion.
It might not seem like a like an overly generous act to give a cup of cold water to a small child, but stop and think about it. The reason Jesus uses this example is that stopping to give a cup of cold water to a little child is that it demonstrates not overlooking something seemingly small and miniscule and caring for someone who likely could not care for themselves.
It is easy to show kindness and compassion to those who might be able to reciprocate or recognize us for what we did. It is much more truly kind and compassionate to care for someone who might never be able to recognize you for what you did or return the favor.
Stop and think for a moment. Is there someone whom you know or see on a regular basis who is routinely overlooked or ignored? Maybe this requires us to slow down and look around us in the course of our daily lives and show to someone care and concern which they have never experienced.
The heart and soul of the ministry of The Lutheran Home Association is built around this concept. Nearly 119 years ago Sophie Boessling sought to make sure that 2 groups of people who are often overlooked – widows and orphans – would be cared for. None of us have a full grasp on how many acts of kindness and compassion have been carried out in the history of TLHA. What really matters is what each of us can do going forward. Who is the “widow”, “orphan” or “little one” to whom you can show the love of Christ and demonstrate true and genuine compassion and kindness. None one may ever know and you might never get recognized. But if that act is truly done not for yourself or any recognition, but to truly show the care and compassion which Jesus would, he will know and that’s all that matters.