We hear often the term, “random acts of kindness.” it is such an unusual act that it often makes the news. Those people who, seemingly, for no apparent reason do something good for someone else. Something unexpected by the receiver. Something that makes a great enough impression on the receiver that they tell others. These are the kind of acts that I believe ought to be indicative of a Christian.
When Jesus was walking on this earth it was not uncommon for him to do something that shocked everyone. These shocking acts were always for the betterment of others. In John chapter 4 when Jesus talked with the woman at the well, he was showing a random act of kindness. Of course, we know that nothing is “random” with Jesus. He had it all planned, but to the woman, and those looking on, it was an act of kindness that was unexpected. He asked her for a drink of water. The mere fact that a Jew would speak to a Samaritan was unthinkable. The Jews wanted nothing to do with the Samaritans. They thought themselves better than them. He also shocked others because she was not just a Samaritan, but also a woman. A woman that was obviously not well received by her own people. This is shown by the time that she went to the well. It was the middle of the day, and no one went in the heat of the day unless they were trying to avoid others.
John 4:9 “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.”
Jesus did not avoid or paint the truth as something that could be overlooked, but he stated the truth as it was, but before he told her the truth, he had shown an interest in her. He had shown compassion simply by speaking to her, rather than looking down on her. He had proved to her that he was not seeking to ridicule her, but was there to help her. Even the disciples were shocked at his talking with her.
John 4:27 “And upon this came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?”
What was the result of his kindness? The woman was saved, and she then ran and told others!
John 4:28-30 “The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.”
Over and over in scripture, we see Jesus showing compassion for others.
Matthew 14:14 “And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.”
Matthew 15:32 “Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.”
Luke 7:13 “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
Mark 6:34 “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”
We are to seek out ways to show compassion to others also. It is a way that we can make known to others, the Christ that lives within us. In a world where everyone is out for themselves, it leaves a positive impression on them when we act for the good of others, instead of ourselves.
Start today seeking out opportunities to serve others. To show Christ love and compassion. Make an appointment with yourself to do something for someone else often!
