By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
Each month our church has a week that we devote to doing ‘Acts of Kindness’ as individuals. We have found that people generally respond to kindness, whether it is holding the door open for them or allowing them to go ahead of you in line at the grocery store.
There are some teachings in the Bible of Jesus that we should strive to follow in our own lives. Jesus’ teachings aren’t just to listen to as a nice story, but for daily living.
The first one is to learn to love like He does. Matthew 22:37-39 says, love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…and love your neighbor as yourself.” How can you apply love in your daily life? By loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind. Showing kindness and care to others. Choosing love over hate and selfishness.
The second one is to learn to forgive. Matthew 6:14 says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” You can apply forgiveness in your life by letting go of bitterness and anger. Be quick to forgive just as God forgives you. Build peace and healthy relationships.
The third one is to learn to serve others. Matthew 20:26 says, “Whosoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.” You can apply this in your life by putting other people’s needs before your needs. You can encourage and uplift other people all the while serving with a humble heart.
The fourth one is to learn to have faith. Mark 9:23, “If you can” said Jesus, “everything is possible for the one who believes.” You can practice faith in your life by trusting God in every situation. Don’t worry but keep on praying, believing in His promises even when you can’t see the way.
The fifth one is to walk in truth and righteousness. John 8:32 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” You can practice this in your daily life by choosing what is right even when it is difficult. Let God’s word guide your decisions and direction. Live honestly with integrity and purity.
Jesus described Himself as the good shepherd, laying down His life for His followers (John 10:11). He healed the blind, lame, lepers, and deaf, and preached the gospel to the poor (Matthew 11:5). He taught love, mercy, and generosity, instructing followers to do good even to enemies (Luke 6:27-28).
Jesus said “without Me you can do nothing” in John 15:5, where He teaches that He is the vine and believers are the branches, meaning true spiritual fruitfulness is only possible by abiding in Him.
If you will learn to be like Jesus, you will bear much fruit in your acts of kindness to others.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
