Putting Into Practice: Kindness - Illustration

Imagine a chilly morning at your local coffee shop, where the air is thick with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A mother rushes in, juggling a toddler in one arm and her phone in the other, clearly frazzled. As she fumbles for her wallet, a stranger in line steps forward and offers to pay for her drink. In that moment, a simple act of kindness unfolds—a fleeting glimpse of God’s love made tangible.

This is what Paul speaks of in Ephesians 2:8-9, reminding us that our salvation comes not from what we do, but as a gift from God. It is grace that compels us toward kindness. When we accept this grace, we can begin to embody humility; after all, kindness flows freely when we recognize how richly we've been treated by our Savior.

Consider your daily encounters—your family, your coworkers, or even the cashier at the grocery store. Each is a canvas for God’s love, waiting for your brushstroke of kindness. What if you chose to serve rather than to be served? What if you approached your relationships with an obedient heart, willing to listen more and judge less?

As you step into your week ahead, let this truth anchor you: every small, kind interaction is an echo of the grace you have received. Let your acts of kindness transform not just your spirit but your community, as you reflect the light of Christ in a world in need of compassion.