Dear Pacific Union Member

I often hear from people who recount various acts of kindness that have come their way and how much it meant to them. In fact, one woman said the little things a busy professional did so impressed her that she decided to become a Christian. In her situation, it was not because of any doctrinal discussions, pamphlets, or evangelistic meetings that she decided to change. It was because of one person who demonstrated the loving, caring attitude of Jesus.

Sometimes we overlook the little things that speak so loudly of our priorities and who we really are. Remember, "They will know we are Christians by our love." Let me suggest a few meaningful actions:

Pray with Someone

When someone is discouraged, tell them you will remember them in your personal prayers, or pray with them right then. Ask which they prefer. This approach gives them an easy way out if they are not comfortable praying together right then. Don’t worry about what to say in your prayer. It will not be your eloquence that is important, but the fact you care enough to share their pain.

Minister to the Sick

When someone comes home from the hospital or is sick for an extended time, organize a group of people to take food for the family, especially if the one who usually prepares the meals is out of commission. (Don’t bring too much at once, though. They might not have a big freezer!)

Send Encouraging Words

Send short notes to people in times of crisis, or better yet just because you appreciate them for who they are or something they have done. Every once in a while, someone sends me such a note, and it always brightens my day and gives me courage. Criticism and unhappiness are commonplace, but positive words and affirmation are too rare. It only takes a few minutes and a stamp.

Random Acts of Kindness

Don’t overlook the people around you that could use some help. I think of the doctor who saw a patient struggling to walk into the hospital from the parking lot. The busy doctor told the man to wait while the doctor ran to get a wheelchair. Then he personally pushed him to the office where he was going. I was blessed when I heard that story, and I am sure countless others have been, too. Yet how often we rush on, too busy to be bothered.

Assist with Ministry

Call the church office, head elder or pastor, and ask if there is someone in need of encouragement or help. Just showing your interest will lift their load in addition to helping the person you contact.

“God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things, which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life's happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life's wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven” (Adventist Home, p.108-109).

What “little thing” can you do today to brighten another’s life?

Sincerely your friend,

Tom Mostert, Jr., President

P.O. Box 5005

Westlake Village, CA 91361

tmpm3@attglobal.net