The Holy Spirit At Work In Spontaneous Community Kindness
“If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking,” If I can stop one heart from breaking, |
Bear one another burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill[b] the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NRSV
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 NRSV
Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 NRSV
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 NRSV
Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NRSV
Yesterday I was walking my dog on the streets of the small town where I live. I noticed two men I knew helping a young woman on the ground ahead. She had been knocked over by a car, and although she was not seriously injured, she was clearly in shock.
The two men could not have been more attentive or kind to her, and then another lady appeared from a nearby shop to provide a chair for the young lady to sit on.
A local office was called where the young lady worked, and a man came out to help her into her office and see what more could be done.
I was so touched by the goodness in these four people’s hearts, and three were complete strangers to the young lady.
I witnessed God’s love and kindness inherent in all humankind revealing itself. I saw the holy spirit move in compassion; I saw the face of Jesus ministering to the unfortunate lady who had been knocked over.
Emily Dickenson wrote of helping others in the beautiful poem above. Her words speak of how simple it is to show the face of God’s love in our day-to-day lives, or at the very least by just recognising others who cross our paths.
This is everyone, of course, because we all need other people. We can connect in big ways by offering practical assistance, as in the situation I encountered yesterday, or even just by smiling to acknowledge the presence of another.
These bricks build God’s kingdom of love in the heart of the places where we live our lives out, and God sees all who show this kind of selfless love because it comes directly from Him.
