Isn’t it funny how different areas of your life sometimes intersect? Usually it’s for a purpose, many times because God wants to teach us something about ourselves. I’ve been reading 1 John through my Good Morning Girls Bible study and also participating in the 30 Days of Intentional Acts of Kindness with your Kids at I Can Teach My Child. We were challenged this week to share some acts of kindness that have been done by others so that it didn’t become so easy to draw attention to ourselves and what we are doing.
That made me think: why is it that we do something kind for others? Is it a selfish desire to be noticed and applauded for our generous spirit? Or are we motivated by the Scriptures which say, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).
That’s where these two parts of my life have come together this week, causing me to think through my motives. And truly we should be showing the love of God to others. Not the “love” of the world, which can be selfish in nature (i.e. what’s in it for me) but “the love of God manifested in us” because “He sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him” (1 John 4:9). God has lavished His love on us and so that love should overflow in us toward others!
Can I share one thing that we did with our kids this week? Since this challenge started, I’ve been thinking so much about how we show love and kindness to the people in our own home. Will and Leah enjoy the book “Things to Love” by Richard Scarry, so the kids decided to make a “Things to Love” card for each other. It was sweet to help them write the things they thought of and precious to see their eyes light up when they read their card.
Let me share one way God provides for our needs through the kindness of others. Recently, my family received a blessing from someone that allowed us to cover a financial need–almost to the dollar! How God can work through other people’s kindnesses that way is amazing!
I also loved what Cindy at Crayon Wishes and Popsicle Dreams shared about her “kindness” week–that the love of God nudged her to give a man on a corner some money, resisting the urge to hold back because she didn’t know for sure what he’d do with the money.
Seeing people through the eyes of God may be difficult, but it is necessary. That is how He saw us: struggling and needy and wearing worn clothing…and He chose to provide for our deepest needs and give us a beautiful garment of pure white.
How has God provided for you this week? How has He motivated you to love others as He loves?
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
9 Comments on 30 Days of Intentional Acts of Kindness Week 2 and a Devotional Thought
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It’s the best to watch our kids show kindness and love it. I learn so much from my girls. their giving spirit humbles me
Cindy, I’ve really enjoyed the “30 Days” too…it’s been opening my eyes to many needs around me. The “Things to Love” book is kinda silly but cute :) We love Richard Scarry books.
We haven’t read “Things to Love” yet, but we will now! What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing! Thank you also for the mention ;) I am humbled. This 30 day journey has really touched me. God has been working in my heart in amazing ways. It’s been fun to share the journey with you!!
This is a wonderful idea. I wish I had thought of it for my children when they were growing up. Be sure to include why I love Mom and Dad.
Hi. I found you through GMG. :)
I have a link up on Fridays called Brag on God Friday. I would love for you to consider linking up.
I love the book idea! I might borrow that too.
We have been blessed by the kindnesses of others in the past too. It is such a blessing when God meets a need in such an unexpected way.
I know that kindness comes from the Spirit living through me. If it weren’t for Him, I would be more selfish than I like to admit!
Isn’t it great to see the love of Christ manifest in our children! Thank you for this post!
You certainly can, I’m glad it was an encouragement to you!
I love the books that your children made about each other!!! What a wonderful way to show kindness within your home:) We could use a little extra kindness among siblings in the Shoemaker home and I hope you don’ t mind if I borrow the idea to use with my own family. Thanks SO much for sharing!