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by Grace Sandeno

The US is big enough to have many flavors to its culture.  I grew up in the northeast where one of the primary characteristics was bluntness. In the mid-west, people are “nice.” In the south, people are known for their hospitality.

I’ve lived in Colorado for almost 30 years, so it’s home.  We pride ourselves on our independence here, but we also like to think of ourselves in another way – we are “good” people. That often comes with no religious connotation as we are a largely secularized society; nonetheless, we perceive ourselves as “good” by whatever moral compass we individually choose.

So it is no surprise that I often see bumper stickers, coffee mugs, and t-shirts with the slogan “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.”  It’s part of our persona, the fabric of culture. And who can disagree that random acts of kindness are good?  As the mother of teenagers, I can assure you that I prefer random acts of kindness to random acts of surliness.

But that slogan rubs me the wrong way, somehow. Life is short and already random enough. I want MORE than random acts of kindness. I want to live deliberately, reflecting the kindness and love that a truly good God has shown me. I want kindness to show through after I’ve been in line for 15 minutes at the grocery store; when I’m at work and haven’t had my coffee yet; after I’ve been stuck in traffic on the way home; and even after my fifth load of laundry.

I think I want my bumper sticker to read “Practice Intentional Acts of Godliness.” Unfortunately, before adhering that to my car, I better make sure my actions while driving match my words.

Scriptures to Study: 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.Ephesians 5:15-17

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. – Hebrews 13:2

 

Grace Sandeno is Director of Public Health Initiatives for WorldVenture and has decades of experience in state and local public health. WorldVenture was founded in 1943 to share the good news of Jesus worldwide. To find out how you can get involved, please visit www.worldventure.com/360 or contact Grace Sandeno directly at g.sandeno@worldventure.com.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

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