• Kyle Tolman, Cross Connect Community Outreach (CCCO) CEO and pastor writes:
Earlier this week, I heard the story of Joe. Joe is homeless. Despite his circumstances, Joe had a kind and generous heart. Every day, he ventured out to offer a helping hand to those he met along his way.
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A generous man named Harry gave Joe money as he passed by. Harry was intrigued by Joe’s outlook on the world. Joe immediately went to the grocery store to buy some much-needed food. Harry followed him around. Standing in line to pay, Joe heard a commotion at the front.
A young mother was struggling to pay for the medication for her sick child. She asked a well-dressed lady if she could help pay for the medicine. The lady replied: “nice try, that’s a good one” Being impatient, this lady stormed off. Without hesitation, Joe dug into his pockets and handed her the money she needed. The young mother was grateful and touched by Joe’s generosity.
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Despite his limited resources, Joe always made it a priority to help those less fortunate than himself. On his way back, he met his friend at their tent. As Joe was about to bite his sandwich, his friend peeked out of the tent. Joe saw how hungry he was and gave his sandwich to him. Harry walked over to Joe and expressed his surprise about all the events he had just witnessed.
He said, “I thought you needed money for food, but you gave everything to other people.” Harry was confused. Joe explained that he may not have much, but someone always has less than he has. He would often gather the little food he could find and distribute it to other homeless individuals.
Joe firmly believes that if you are kind to others, kindness will always be returned to you. As they talked, Lisa, one of his homeless friends, ran towards them. She joyfully said: “Joe, I brought you some food; the guy at the drive-thru bought me two hamburgers. I figured I would give you one since you always do nice things for me.”
The kindness Joe gave to the world now returned to him. We read in 2 Corinthians 9…
6 – Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 – Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 – And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
If we could embrace what the Bible teaches us, we can change the world with one act of kindness at a time.
