Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church

Every week, Karyn and I have the privilege of watching our grandson Joey while his mom and dad are working.

We love being able to spend time with him, to feed him, play with him, change a diaper (or two) and put him down for a nap. It truly is a joy to do it, and I love it when he comes into the house and “lights up” with a big smile when he sees us.

It also is good to interact with him and teach him how to act and behave.

We have two dogs at our house and when Joey interacts with the dogs, we make sure that he is gentle and kind when he pets them. We model it for him, showing him how to be gentle, and we praise and encourage him when he does it correctly. It is one of the ways that he learns.

That is what Peter is doing as he writes his letter to the churches in Turkey. He is giving instructions on how to act as a Christ-follower and when they act in a Christ-like way, it will influence the people they interact with. It will make a difference.

Our actions have a remarkable way of speaking. They show others our true selves and what our core values are.

It is just like when we model being kind to Joey to our dogs. We model kindness and then in turn, Joey is kind. So, it is in our lives. When we are kind to others, it has a way of speaking, and kindness spreads.

All it takes is one person choosing to show up with kindness and compassion. That single act can change a life — and inspire someone else to do the same.

The world needs more kindness. It needs to see Christ followers acting in Christ-like ways.

May you be an instrument of God’s kindness to those that you interact with.