Unusual Kindness

Daily Reading: Acts 28

The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold. (Acts 28.2)

Devotional Thought: When I read Acts 28, I think of my friends Tom and Darlene Govin.  There was a period in my life when I didn’t know where I was going to land.  My future was uncertain.  I didn’t recognize the island I was on.  True to their character and our history as friends, the Govins “showed us unusual kindness.”  They invited us to spend some time with them.  I was given the opportunity to preach a revival at Tom’s church.  It felt good to be able to preach the Word of God after having been away from the pulpit for several months.  Tom and Darlene impressed upon Lana and me the feeling that they really wanted us to be there.  Like the fire that warmed Paul and his companions, the Govins’ love and encouragement were just what we needed when it was "raining and cold."

I like what Luke wrote in Acts 28.2. "The native people showed us unusual kindness… and welcomed us all."  Paul and many of his companions were prisoners.  The Maltese people could have said, "We don’t want anything to do with those felons!"  Instead, they welcomed every one of the shipwrecked passengers and crew.  When the stormy sea throws us upon a strange shore, we need to thank God for those people who “show us unusual kindness.”

Are there times in your life that your experience parallels that of Paul and his shipwrecked companions, who “learned that the island was called Malta”?  Sometimes we don’t know where we are until we get there and people show us unusual kindness.  Are you showing others unusual kindness? 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for people who have shown me unusual kindness when I didn't deserve it or expect it.  Just when I needed it most, you sent "native people" - people of your kingdom!  Help me to kindle a fire of kindness to warm a weary soul today.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 79.8-13

"Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God? ”Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes! Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die! Return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord! But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise."