Abraham Lincoln, an American lawyer and statesman, who served as the 16th President of the United States once remarked: “Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. It will wear well and will be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away.” Luke 6:35 reminds us: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
Kindness is defined as: "The quality of being friendly, generous and considerate." It includes kind acts shown or given to others and is one of the main topics in the Bible. It demonstrates the love of God to all those in need and does not seek reward or praise in return for any good act, but is freely given as a gesture of love. It can make a considerable difference in one's life. It is an established fact that God is synonymous with kindness which combined with His endless love is limitless.
Kindness works in two ways, it not only helps the person in need but can reward the contributor. If we treat others as we would like to be treated, then the world will undoubtedly become a better place. Barbara De Angelis, an American relationship consultant, lecturer, and author summed up the gift of kindness in a pertinent comment: “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”
It has been inferred that people who are helpful and show kindness combined with love to others may experience benefits in their own health by the reduction of stress and anxiety and may even endure a longer life as a result. There is evidence to suggest that by helping others, it can result in changes to the brain that promotes happiness within. Galatians 5:22-23 confirms: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law."
In our busy daily schedules, it can be very easy to forget the well-being or needs of others. Our own priorities in life can supersede everything else, and as a result, others may suffer their hardships alone and without support. Everyone needs to consider the problems of all and take the necessary steps to help in any way they can. Acts 20:35 reminds us: "In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
Elephants are considered the largest existing land mammals on earth. They are primarily indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Elephants are herbivorous animals by nature with a majestic appearance who prefer to reside in the vicinity of water when it is accessible. They are characterized by their enormous bodies, large heads, long proboscis trunks, and ivory tusks. There is a saying that: "An elephant never forgets." Although, as with humans, it would be difficult to prove, without question, it is generally understood that they are extremely intelligent creatures, that would have the ability to recall kindness and help given by an individual human being.
A man decided to take a two-week safari in East Africa. He had always had a keen interest in elephants since childhood and especially wanted to view and study them in their natural habitat. He decided that the Masai Mara area of Kenya would be an ideal spot to visit. It was a well-organized conducted tour that took him to various renowned spots where elephants usually gathered and he was able to take numerous photographs for his collection. The Bible teaches us to be kind and respect animals. Proverbs 12:10 quotes: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
A young, but fully grown elephant who regularly enjoyed exploring on its own, away from the main herd that he usually accompanied, proceeded to make his way through an area containing a densely overgrown thicket. When he emerged, he felt severe pain in the sole of his front left foot. It really was extremely painful which hampered his walking ability. Simultaneously, the open jeep carrying the man on the safari arrived at the same spot and the man asked the guide if he could get out of the jeep to take some photographs. As he was taking several pictures he noticed that the elephant was holding up his left foot and he wondered what the matter was. He got closer and realized that the elephant was in pain and so he courageously inspected the raised foot and saw a large thorn protruding from a sensitive area. He calmly removed the thorn and the elephant raised its trunk high into the air and gave a grateful trumpet sound. It then proceeded on its way. Proverbs 11:17 reminds us: “A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
A few years later the man, who had enjoyed his first trip so much, returned to Kenya on another safari but this time decided to venture on his own. He hired a jeep and camping equipment together with a detailed map of the area to plan his journey. During the trip, he had the unfortunate experience to encounter a hungry man-eating lion while he camped overnight. His only escape was to climb a nearby tree for safety while the lion remained in the vicinity, waiting for his prey to descend from the tree.
After a few hours, to his good fortune, the same elephant that he had helped appeared and frightened the lion away. He saw the man sitting in the tree in a nervous and fearful state and approached him so that the man could climb onto its back. The elephant then carried the man to a nearby place of safety and lowered the man to the ground with its trunk. The fortunate man was so grateful to the elephant for saving his life. He patted the elephant affectionately and verbally thanked him so much for his kindness.
He then completed his holiday without further incident and traveled home with a memory that he, likewise, would never forget. Philippians 2:1-5 confirms: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Amen.
