Scripture:
John 15:9 (NIV)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
A Samll Act of Kindness
It's been just over a week since my wife and daughter left to visit Korea, and their absence is deeply felt both in the house and in my heart. My wife had lovingly prepared and frozen meals for me, but I struggled to take them out of the freezer and defrost them before eating. Despite having lived alone for many years and serving in the military – I was pretty well-organized person before my marriage, managing everything on my own proved challenging.
I suppose she spoiled me too much.
As I embarked on this new week, I sought to refresh myself by visiting shut-ins, seeing their smiles, and sharing in holy communion together. During a break between visits, I stopped by a drive-thru coffee place on a rainy day. Despite the weather, I ordered a cold iced coffee to quench both my physical and emotional thirst.
When I went to pay for my coffee, the clerk surprised me by informing me that it had already been paid for by the person in front of me. I was taken aback, unsure of how to react. The clerk smiled at my surprise and reassured me that my coffee was indeed paid for. Still feeling bemused, I accepted the coffee and thanked the clerk. I wished I had the chance to thank the kind stranger, but their car had already left, leaving me unable to identify them and express my gratitude.
That small act of kindness lifted my spirits. The coffee, cool and delicious, made me feel better. It also prompted me to reflect on something significant in my life. If I could feel this grateful for a free cup of coffee, how much more should I be thankful for the love of Jesus Christ? He gave His life on the Cross as a ransom to save me from the bondage of sin and death, setting me free. This simple gesture from a stranger reminded me of the profound meaning of the Cross and once again immersed me in His love and grace.
Sisters and brothers, have you ever had a similar experience where someone's small act of kindness reminded you of a core value of your life?
I pray that you too experience such moments of kindness today, allowing you to feel His love and lift up your spirit once again—remembering the words, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."
And I hope that you, in turn, can make someone around you feel the same through your own small gestures of service and love.
Reflection Written by Rev. Sean Lee
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love. Help us remain in Your love, finding strength and comfort in Your embrace. Grant us grace to recognize and experience moments of kindness that reflect Your love, renewing our faith and lifting our spirits. May we also be channels of Your love, sharing Your compassion with those around us through small acts of service.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up
our Next Generation Ministry team and our children, especially those who have been taking the confirmation class.
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
You Raise Me Up, Covered by Color Music Children’s Choir