When I was a little girl, I was so excited for a trip to the ice cream shop. Upon arriving I was able to get a few large scoops of my choosing. I was thrilled when I was handed a towering amount of ice cream on my cone! That was until it had toppled over, almost all of it landing on the cement below me. I cried, as I was so disappointed. My older brother walked up to me and gave me his ice cream cone, so I would not go without. Even if it meant that he would. Although I do not remember that day in detail, I have not ever forgotten his kind gesture. He could have laughed at me and told me to be more careful next time. Or at the very least stayed out of it. Although instead of criticizing me or ignoring my tears, he offered his kindness. Although it may have been just an ice cream cone to everyone else, to me, it was a gesture that won’t soon be forgotten. For it was one done in selfless love.

Friend, we are often preoccupied with ourselves. We either choose to cast judgement or we look away from those that really just need kindness. Although what my brother did that day may seem like a small gesture, it was so much more than that. For even the small bits of kindness matter too. Looking back, I do not know if I fully showed him my gratitude; but it mattered. It got me thinking about how often God offers us kindness, when He doesn’t have to. We must offer others that same sort of love. Whether it be seeing a need and reaching out. Whether it be helping to bring others happiness, when we know that they could use some extra joy. Maybe, just maybe, offering up an ice cream cone for your sister after she drops hers. For if God can send His son to die for us; then why can’t we offer even the simplest act of care for one another?

Erin Fitts-Brower

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.