You might sometimes wonder if your good deeds of kindness are really making positively difference in the lives of others. You might wonder if  you are leaving a lasting positive influence on others. I’m here to tell you that you may well be, far more than you ever know.

When I was in  preacher training school, struggling as most students to make ends meet, a deed of kindness was done unto me which I will never forget.  I was driving the nearly 45 miles between my home and the school on four bald tires.  Suddenly, one of my rear tires blew.  I managed to get the car to the side of the road and off the freeway.  I walked from there to the home of a church member.  His name was Lester Tipton.  All I wanted to do was use his phone to call someone to pick me up.  He, seeing the predicament I was in, took me to a tire store and bought me a new set of tires.

Lester is now dead, but his kindness still encourages me.  I often think about his act of kindness.  When the world is unkind, and when even some brethren behave like the devil, I think upon Lester Tipton. His kindness reminds me that are  good, kind souls out there. Moreover, his act of kindness reminds me how encouraging deeds of kindness can be to others. This motivates me to show kindness.

Brethren, as we go throughout our lives, let us show kindness.  Let us remember the words of Jesus, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me… Inasmuch as you did  not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to  Me” (Matthew 25:40, 45).  Jesus after setting forth the parable of The Good Samaritan said  “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).  Let us remember (1 John 3:17), “Whoever has this world’s good, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”  How you treat another may help to edify another years later.

Furthermore, remember  God appreciates these acts of kindness – “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10); “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).