Hello, beloved! 💖 I hope this finds you well. Today, I want to share a heartfelt reflection on the importance of showing kindness to absolutely everyone—especially in big cities like Los Angeles. ✨ Kindness isn’t just an optional nicety; it’s a biblical command and a beautiful way to reflect Christ’s love in a world that so desperately needs it.
The Word of God reminds us:
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2).
In a bustling city, where people are often hurried and strangers rarely interact, a simple act of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day—or even their life. Whether it’s a smile 😊, a word of encouragement, or a thoughtful gesture, our kindness may be the very light someone needs in a moment of darkness. Let me tell you about a beautiful day I spent in LA, where intentional acts of kindness brought joy and blessings to everyone involved.
🌆 A Day of Intentional Kindness in Los Angeles
I’m currently visiting Los Angeles with my friends Sofia, Isabella, and their dad Alberto. As we explored the city, we made it our mission to be intentionally kind to every stranger we encountered. With so many people rushing through their day, we knew a little kindness could go a long way.
Our first stop was a cozy coffee shop ☕. Isabella, who had just arrived in California from Australia 🇦🇺, tried an iced chestnut praline latte and exclaimed, “This is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted!” Her enthusiasm prompted us to encourage the baristas. We thanked them sincerely for their hard work and for making such delicious drinks. The ladies behind the counter lit up with joy—they were so blessed by our gratitude. Sometimes, beloved, a simple “thank you” can mean more than we realize.
📱 Kindness at the Apple Store
Later, we stopped by the Apple Store 🍎 to get Sofia and Isabella’s phones repaired. That’s where we met Mike, an employee who epitomized the casual yet kind vibe of a Californian. Isabella, always thoughtful, decided to give Mike a bracelet with Romans 15:13 engraved on it:
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Mike, though unable to accept the gift while on shift, was so touched by the gesture that he asked what the verse said. His response was remarkable—he shared that one of his favorite verses is:
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16).
This was so powerful because, earlier in the day, Isabella had been anxious about whether her phone could even be repaired. I had been encouraging her not to be afraid, and here was Mike, quoting a verse about not fearing and trusting in God’s provision. 🙌 What a beautiful reminder that God is always at work, even in the smallest details!
By the way, Mike went above and beyond, getting Isabella’s phone repaired overnight at no cost. God’s favor was all over that moment.
🍔 A Sweet Welcome to America
For Isabella and Sofia, this trip to Los Angeles marked their first time back in the United States since they were children. They were overjoyed to simply be here, and their first meal in California? In-N-Out! 🍟🍔 Their excitement was contagious, and their kindness to everyone they met made the day even sweeter.
🌟 Reflecting on Entertaining Angels
Beloved, as the verse from Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, we may never know when we are “entertaining angels unawares.” Think about Abraham in Genesis 18, who unknowingly hosted angels who brought him the promise of Isaac’s birth. Or Lot in Genesis 19, who entertained angels that saved his family from destruction. These biblical examples remind us that our interactions with strangers have eternal significance.
Even when the person we encounter is not literally an angel, God sees and values our kindness. A small gesture of love might have ripple effects beyond what we could imagine.
💖 The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Kindness is a seed, beloved. When you plant it, you never know how God might use it to grow something extraordinary. As we went about our day, we saw the ripple effect of kindness in action:
- The baristas were encouraged and energized.
- Mike felt blessed and connected through Scripture.
- Isabella’s worries were replaced with gratitude and joy.
- Sofia and I were uplifted by the shared experiences.
In a big city like Los Angeles, where people are often rushed and interactions can feel impersonal, these small acts of kindness stood out all the more.
🌟 Why Kindness Matters
1️⃣ Kindness Reflects Christ’s Love
Jesus said:
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
When we show kindness, we mirror the love of our Savior, who gave His all for us.
2️⃣ Kindness Can Change Someone’s Day
A kind word or thoughtful gesture can bring joy to someone who might be struggling in ways we can’t see. As Proverbs reminds us:
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).
3️⃣ Kindness Invites God’s Blessings
When we step out in kindness, God often opens doors and works in ways we didn’t expect. Our experience with Mike at the Apple Store was a testament to this truth.
4️⃣ Kindness is a Witness
In a world where rudeness is common, kindness sets us apart as followers of Christ.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
5️⃣ Kindness Uplifts Our Own Hearts
When we pour out love and encouragement, we are often the ones who are most blessed in return.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
🙏 A Prayer for Kindness
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the opportunities You give us to show kindness and reflect Your love to others. Help us to see each person we meet as someone made in Your image, someone whom You love deeply. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones to share a smile, a kind word, or a thoughtful gesture.
Lord, remind us to be mindful of the strangers we encounter, knowing that we may be entertaining angels unawares. Let our lives be a testimony of Your grace and goodness, and may every act of kindness point others to You.
In Jesus’ mighty and matchless name, Amen.
✨ A Challenge for You
Beloved, as you go about your day, I encourage you to be intentionally kind to the strangers you encounter. Smile at someone who looks discouraged. Thank the workers who serve you. Share a verse of encouragement or a small gift. You may never know the full impact of your kindness, but God does.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).
🌿 Final Words of Encouragement
Kindness is a simple but powerful way to bring God’s light into a world that often feels dark. Whether you’re in a bustling city like Los Angeles or a quiet town, your small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Beloved, let’s commit to being the hands and feet of Jesus, spreading love and hope wherever we go. You never know who might be blessed—or how God might use you to change someone’s day.
With love in Christ,
Preacher Burnside ✝️🌿
(Psalm 23:1)