By Melissa McLaughlin
The weight of sadness in this world with its division, hatred, animosity and harshness, at times feels like a heavy blanket of evil pressing against my soul. Every word spoken, seems to assume the worst and allows for no grace. Every news cast highlights the most destructive possible view of humanity. Every passing exchange, laden with layers of hurt and a lifetime of bitterness.
How do we climb out from under such a heavy load?
In the midst of this dark cloud, came a few small acts of kindness recently that touched my heart and parted the storm clouds for a small ray of God’s tender light to shine through. That light rested on the faces and hands of people who paused just long enough to let the grace of Jesus touch my mind and soften this formidable shadow.
Several small acts of kindness wielding a powerful punch against evil.
To begin, two different friends from social media noticed my absence due to recent illness and reached out to let me know I was missed and they were praying for me. This touched me deeply because on the most basic level, I felt that I mattered to someone enough that I was simply noticed. It sounds like such a minor thing, but the soothing words of faithful friendship were like a balm to my soul.
Later that week, I sent out an email update to a church prayer group. Two people unexpectedly responded with a kind word of appreciation and offered a word of prayer for me in return. Nothing more than a sentence or two, but I felt a shower of sweet, blessed, refreshment washing over me.
Just a day or two following, the new oven that I had ordered weeks earlier finally arrived. It wasn’t until the appliance was completely installed and set up that I realized I had ordered an oven with no timer! How is that even possible? In the long list of fine print specifications, it never occurred to me to ensure this modern oven came equipped with a timer. With encouragement from my family, I called the store to ask if I could return and upgrade. As I explained my error to the store clerk, her gentle voice answered with such compassion and understanding that all feelings of concern dissipated in our brief conversation. Again, it may appear a trifling thing, but the clerk spoke with such grace that it brightened my day like the warmth of morning sun.
I doubt any of these people realized the powerful impact they left on my heart. How they lifted my spirits and my vision heavenward with a small act of kindness. Nothing more than a few words or a sentence of support. Yet, it was as if a wall of impenetrable darkness was dispelled with a mere breath of kindness.
Love, God’s love, through the voice and heart of another is a force not to be underestimated. So, I encourage you with these small words of mine, look around in your circle of life. Is there someone who could use a small word of hope? A short word of prayer? A gentle message of understanding? May more people be amazed at the power of a kind word.
Believe me, the ripples reach farther than you know. May the gentle drops of Living Water pour forth from our lips to revive some parched soul today.
Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:4 – The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:30 – Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
Additional Resources:
Gentleness: Christ on Display in our Every Day By Melissa McLaughlin
Amen Sweet Sister in Jesus-Yeshua Christ-Messiah Melissa!!
Our ONE True GOD’S LOVE 💕💜 is ETERNAL THROUGH HIS SON Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua for Today and Everyday Forevermore!!
I Love you all Everyone through Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua, because HE LOVED 💜💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!
Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
God bless you, dear sister in Christ!
I’m sorry you were sick and hope you are feeling better. I agree with you on the power of a kind word. Something so simple can be so powerful to the recipient. You are a blessing Melissa. Always uplifting others and proclaiming the truth of God’s Word. May God bless you abundantly as you impact the world for Jesus.
Aww, Meghan, thank you. It wasn’t anything terrible, but I just fell behind on things. Next thing you know the pile was bigger than I realized. You are a sweet blessing, too! Have a wonderful weekend!
I can relate. I’m always behind on pretty much everything. 😊
At times, the darkness does seem like it is all around us, trying to snuff out the light of Christ. I feel it at time too. But, as your words so graciously pointed out, a small word of kindness slips through to part the clouds. We must follow the Spirits prompting to shed our light to ease the burdens of others. Our words matter and can change lives. Thanks Melissa.
You are right, Yvonne. Our words matter and can change lives. I hope you realize, you are one of the sweet voices who spoke kindness into my depleted heart! Thank you, Yvonne, for taking the time to think of me and offer a word of TLC and hope. Love you, dear sister!
Love you too my sister. I am here if you need anything. We are all in this together. Thanks and I am glad I help you to find your words again. 😊ðŸ’💕
You are such a gem! How you shine with Christ’s light and love!
Words come from the heart. And hearts are the most combustible things on the planet.
Wow. That is profound. And so very true.
A kind word can change the world. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend!
It’s true, Melissa! It may seem small, but it’s amazing how much a tiny act or simple word of grace can lift my spirit. May we do that more and more for the people we meet! Enjoy your weekend!
Melissa, I am so sorry to hear you were not feeling well. I pray you have recovered and are feeling better. Your words echoed the cries of my heart. The world has felt so dark and like it is pressing in. But I agree with your comment, “Several small acts of kindness wielding a powerful punch against evil.” We just need to each do what we can, because even small acts of love shine light into the darkness.
Yes, I’m doing much better, Anne. It was not serious, but just kept me slowed down and inactive for a time. The hatred seems to be a wall around us, but the smallest touch of love can melt a hard heart. God’s love, offered through our words and deeds, is powerful.
That’s so true, Melissa. When we watch the news and see all that is going on in the world, it can seem so harsh and dispiriting. We can start to expect bad things wherever we go, so that when someone is kind and caring it really lifts our spirits and comforts us. It’s gladdening to our soul! It’s a good lesson for us to remember to be kind to one another, even at difficult times, or perhaps especially so in hard times.
Thank you, Carolyn. I agree with your words, we begin to expect harsh words wherever we go, because that is so much of what we see and hear through the media. May the tenderness of Christ’s love echo louder and longer than the evil of this world. Bless you!
What a timely post. Thank you.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Diana. I pray you are refreshed with words of kindness this day!
Absolutely beautiful â¤ðŸ™â¤
Thank you for reading and sharing a kind word here, Frances! May the Lord Jesus shower you with kindness that it overflows to others this day!
Thank you for this reminder.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Tom. Kind words can renew the heart. Such power in a simple kind word. God bless you!