Rush Limbaugh died today. He was one of the most loved and hated men in America, like so many who hold strong positions on anything. As I scrolled through the posts about his passing I was struck, not by the many tributes, but by the vitriolic and even violent comments about his death. When “Satan,” “hell,” and other unprintable words are used about any man’s death it reveals more about their heart than his.

I could weep as I read the bitter and vile sentiments. No one who knows the love of God or understand the evil of the Devil could post such things. What has happened to our society that people laugh and joke about things sobering and sad. I am not sad for Rush. By his testimony he is with the Lord and no longer suffering, but I am broken for those who are left behind who have no sense of decency and humility. Perhaps this is why “Jesus wept” at the tomb of Lazarus. This is what sin has done.

By some strange irony today has been called #randomactsofkindnessday in our nation. (There is a special day for everything now!) How tragic that people cannot be kind even at the thought of death and eternity. Those who know the kindest Man who ever lived, the Lord Jesus Christ, should be showing acts of kindness every day! This harsh, sin-hardened world sure needs it.

Here are a few ways we ALL could show kindness and encourage someone else today:

1. Pray with someone. Don’t just tell them you are praying – stop and pray with them!
2. Write a note. It may be a line of appreciation or “just a thought” but it may be the very thing they need at this time.
3. Speak to some soul about the Lord Jesus and the grace of God. The kindest thing you can do for any person is point them to the hope found in our Savior.
4. Call someone who is hurting and check on them. In ways a text message can never convey, the kind tone of your voice could be the means of blessing today.
5. Share a praise, a testimony or a truth God is teaching you in conversation. There is nothing quite as encouraging as interacting with someone who is overflowing with God’s goodness.
6. Smile. I know there are a lot of masks right now, but, did you know you can hear a smile? Your eyes even show it. In a rude, crude world we could all use a little more pleasantness.
7. Give a compliment. It doesn’t cost anything but your time and attention. A kind TSA Agent gave me a compliment as I came through airport security today (yes, there are kind TSA agents!). It made the process and journey a little brighter. We all like to receive them…but when did you last give a compliment?

Remember that we all have been recipients of God’s grace and are now called on to be channels of that kindness to others. Not just today but every day! This wounded world is looking for real kindness.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Titus 3:1-6