I was running late for work, stuck in traffic, and racing against the clock. The driver of a massive rig was turning left against the flow of traffic to then merge onto the interstate. Much to the dismay of the driver behind me, I stopped and allowed his left turn in front of us. The driver and I waved at one another as he approached the turn. He then slowed to look at me through my window, nodded, smiled, and waved again. I nodded and waved, too. It only took about 30 seconds. This random act of kindness and acknowledgment of his appreciation was an impact moment for both of us.
My preference is the word kindness, not nice. There is a difference. I don’t believe the word nice is found in the Bible, and supposedly, this casual English term originally meant foolish or ignorant in Old French / Latin. Over the centuries, it has evolved to mean pleasant or agreeable. Kindness conveys richness, depth, and moral clarity over the word nice.
The Bible calls believers to cultivate a heart of kindness, allowing it to shape our thoughts, words, and actions and to be a source of blessing to others.
Colossians 3:12: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Just 30 seconds, a brief annoyance to the drivers behind me, yet a gift to a grateful trucker on a tight schedule. I was still late for work, but my heart was full.
~ Kim Snyder
Christ Fellowship