Lessons on Kindness

Since childhood I have been shown kindness and I have been taught to show kindness to all, especially to those who are in need. By the Lord’s mercy, I have been graced to show mercy and kindness to whoever I can, within my capacity.  Of late, I learned a lesson even in showing kindness.

I had given hospitality to a good number of brothers and sisters as I accommodated them to live with us as a family. In all possible ways, I treated them as my family members. But when theses ones were well off and could stand on their own, their reaction changed. They behaved as though they received nothing from us. Some even became negative and instead of appreciation, they started speaking negatively. Sometimes, I wonder if I did the right thing in giving them hospitality when they needed it. Though I did not expect any reward from them, at least, an act of humanity would require a word of appreciation or thanks as I did to others whoever gave hospitality to me. Based on these experiences, I learned a lesson. Give hospitality, show kindness to others, even show mercy and grace, but never expect anything in return.

At the same time, I also begin to consider if I should give hospitality or show kindness to all who asked. Should not I discern if I was led by the Lord to give hospitality or show kindness? Perhaps, I took it for granted that doing "good" to others is automatically of God. Sometimes, my natural goodness may be as bad as acting in the flesh. Perhaps, I need more discernment even before doing any "good" to anyone. This is the lesson I need to learn.

Because of such negative reactions from those whom I showed mercy, I have been thoroughly exposed of my natural man even in doing good. I was just natural. Now, I am very careful to act naturally even if it is for good, especially the good of others.

Recently, a fresh experience ignited a question within me of my "goodness" to others. I gave full free Dom to a brother to eat with lunch at no cost. I even gave him the freedom to consider my house as his own. For a good number of months, he has been eating lunch at his own time in iur house, completely free meal. I gave him this offer when I realized his wife was not around to cook for him and he had nothing to eat for lunch during office working days. But his act of kindness was not appreciated bynhim at all. Rather, he negatively spoke about the food and abruptly stopped eating with us even without informing me. Then, I realised, my act of kindness was taken for granted and was never even considered beneficial. I sincerely regret showing him the kindness of offering him a free meal with our family every working day. What a lesson! The same goes to another sister whom I thought needed help and did my best to help her. Yet, later she took it for granted and did things in her own way without any fellowship. Perhaps, she needed more help in fellowshipping with the saints. Despite her reaction, I still kept the door open for her to ask or request foe help anytime she needed.

These are few lessons I have been learning regarding kindness and giving hospitality. Yes, according to the Scriptures I must be hospitable irrespective of the reaction of the guests. It is just a responsibility. Yet, I must also discern and not act in my natural goodness. In fact, I must also learn to deny my soul life and follow the Spirit's leading even in showing kindness, giving hospitality, and doing good deeds to others. Thank God for these lessons!