How To Scatter Unusual Kindness

Karen

Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold.

—Acts 28:1–2

Have you ever read a story on social media about someone who did something over-the-top for a stranger? Like tipping a restaurant server not just the standard 20 percent, but maybe 500 percent? I love stories like these, and we don’t just find them online.

Tucked in the pages of the New Testament is a two-word phrase that seemed to leap off the pages of my Bible one day. It rearranged my thinking and became a life mission.

In Acts 28:1–2, we encounter some unknown people who lived on a remote island where a boatload of people—including the apostle Paul—suddenly found themselves shipwrecked in the middle of a storm: “Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness.”

Unusual kindness.

I love the reason given for this above-and-beyond behavior. These verses don’t say this unusual kindness was shown because Paul and his companions were important people. It doesn’t declare, “The people from the shipwreck had the exact political and theological views as the islanders.” No, they were treated with this unusual kindness simply because “it was raining and cold.”

Today we encounter all sorts of people who are up against the elements. We can’t always see these circumstances, but they are present nonetheless. Perhaps those people could use some kindness—even better, unusual kindness.

Kindness holds the door for an elderly person leaving the grocery store. Unusual kindness willingly carries the person’s groceries all the way to her car, puts them in the trunk, and sends her on her way with an “It was my pleasure” when thanked.

Kindness is smiling at the maxed-out mom with two kids who are pitching fits in the coffee shop line rather than staring in silence. Unusual kindness tells her to hang in there because she’s doing an important job and then pays for her coffee.

Kindness whispers a prayer for the just-moved-in neighbor who’s facing life all alone. Unusual kindness invites him to your house for a weekend supper, folds him into your family’s ordinary life, and asks questions to get to know him better.

Scatter some unusual kindness today. When you do, you’ll make someone else’s day—and yours!

Father, as I encounter people today, help me remember the example of the islanders of Malta and show others unusual kindness done in Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In the space provided, brainstorm a few “unusual kindness” ideas for the people in your life.