Session 7

Not So Random Acts of Kindness

From Romans: A 16-Day Devotional

In December 2014, a Pennsylvania man paid off $50,000 of electronics and toys that had been put on layaway for Christmas. News outlets captured videos of families crying out in joy, when they discovered their bill had been covered by what reporters called “layaway angels.”

These random acts of generosity and kindness — with no expectation of anything in return — are a good example of the kind of behavior Christians should be known for. Romans 7:4-6 says, “So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”

When our lives bear fruit for God, we follow Jesus’ example and spread His love farther and faster than we ever imagined. 

With the glory of belonging to Jesus comes the ability to bearing fruit for Jesus. Just like a healthy tree grows fruit, a healthy relationship with Jesus produces a desire to be kind and do good to others. That’s what it means to bear fruit. There’s so much of Jesus’ love, generosity, and kindness in us that we can’t help but share it with others. 

Bearing fruit extends beyond extravagant financial donations. Even small acts of kindness — complimenting a co-worker or thanking someone for their hard work — are opportunities to bear fruit. How many times have you run into an overwhelmed mom or dad at the grocery store? Helping someone get their groceries into the car could bring more joy and peace than we ever realized. 

Bearing fruit isn’t just about making someone’s day, although that will happen. When our lives bear fruit for God, we follow Jesus’ example and spread His love farther and faster than we ever imagined. 

Reflect:

• On a scale of 1-10, how much is your life bearing fruit for God? 
• What’s one way you can encourage someone today? 
• What’s one way you can be generous with your time or money today?