Radical acts of kindness

Although I seldom watch TV, I do enjoy watching reality shows where somebody who has been struggling has their house or garden given a radical makeover. I have found myself even shedding a tear when I see the look on the faces of the family who are surprised by a huge radical act of kindness. Although this is a wonderful thing to do for those who have hit tough times, it is absolutely unrealistic for the average Aussie to do. We don’t have the unlimited finances and manpower to do such a huge task. So what can we do to be a community that blesses others by serving?Here are four ways I have witnessed people blessing others by serving this week. One church member helped another older member walk from the church area to the hall for morning tea. I noticed a person buy a cup of coffee for another. I heard a young mother offer to look after another mum’s child for half an hour so she could do some shopping. I heard a conversation where a person offered and prayed for the other. These examples are all wonderful acts of service and people being blessed by them.Sometimes we don’t even know we are blessing others by serving. For many people it comes naturally, for others it seems to be more of a deliberate decision and action. It doesn’t have to be a huge thing; actually most of the time it is very small but powerful. It is best if it is prayerful, intentional and decisive.  You may say, “Doesn't everyone just do these things?” Yes and no! Things done in Jesus' name become transformational.When we bless others by serving, we too are blessed - everybody wins. When Jesus speaks of being blessed in the Beatitudes, He is speaking about people who, even though their external situations seem hopeless, have a deep gratitude that is full of grace and cannot be shaken.Can I encourage you to start deliberately thinking how you can intentionally bless others by serving and then do it? I’m certain God will bless you and others through it, as many of you have found. BlessingsJames