More Than Mechanics

More Than Mechanics

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

1 Peter 4:10

There’s a small group of people at our church who regularly volunteer their time to repair cars for people in the community. Those who benefit from the volunteers’ skills don’t need to be members of our church—just folks who could use a helping hand.

One week, a friend of my husband’s contacted him and asked if the group had room for a friend of hers who was having trouble paying for a brake repair. Tim got in touch with the group leader, who said they would be happy to help and could get her car in first at their next session.

The following week, the car was dropped off and fixed. The woman picked it up, but about an hour later she returned. The group leader and his family watched as the now teary-eyed woman, her husband, and her son walked slowly up the driveway, a plate of cookies and a letter for the group in hand.

“Thank you so much for your incredible kindness,” the letter said. “We are traveling through this very tough journey and have been very blessed.” The letter went on to relate that the woman’s husband had spent months in the hospital, only to receive a terminal diagnosis. They weren’t sure he would live to see his son graduate from high school. Paying to have their car repaired simply wasn’t something they could afford.

We are called to use our gifts to serve one another. This group of volunteers has the knowledge, skill, and desire to work on cars. They could spend their time working on their own vehicles, or offer to help a few select friends, but instead they sacrifice their time to put those skills to work for strangers. In doing so, they not only honor the people they serve, but they also honor God.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Make a list of three skills or gifts you possess, then think of three individuals or groups who could benefit from your help. Choose one skill and one way to help and get started.