When Love Came Knocking

When we first moved to Colorado to be close to family, a neighbor showed up at our door. Just back from fishing, Bill handed me several trout, saying, “I heard you had a lot of mouths here to feed!”

He later told me, “Walt, I’m not a church guy. The mountains and streams are my cathedral. I go up there for refuge.”

Though not a churchgoer, Bill reads the Bible. Better yet, he lives it. By giving us fish he was obeying the command to:

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” ‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬.

Showing interest in others is one of the greatest signs that God’s kindness is at work in a person.

A lot of folks are nice—but being nice is different than being kind. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. The kindest people I know live their lives directed by the Holy Spirit. At times the Spirit will prompt them to text or call me, or invite me to go grab a bite to eat. They are good listeners and If they learn I have a need, they offer to help.

You may be thinking, “I wish I had more people like that in my life!” Well, so do I.

I’ve decided instead of waiting around for someone to call me or invite me to breakfast, I’m going to take the initiative and call them. It’s not as hard as you think. The secret to being a kinder person is being anointed with the Holy Spirit.

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Acts 10:38

There you go! Because Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit He didn’t just do miracles, He went around showing kindness to people. He multiplied bread and fish to feed a hungry crowd. He told the disciples where to cast their nets to catch a boatload of fish. Then He kindly cooked them a fish breakfast!

Could it be that 2000 years later God led our neighbor to bring us fresh trout? I get the idea God loves blessing people with fresh fish!

Bill is now part of our home fellowship. Though he may not identify as a church guy, he loves Jesus with all his heart. I can see it by how he loves his neighbor and is willing to go where the Spirit leads him.

I’m so glad God led him to our door!

“Love is kind” 1 Corinthians 13:4

“Put on…kindness” Colossians 3:12

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬ ‭