Young People's Group

DOING SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS

by Pastor Mitch
September 14, 2008

Seizing Opportunities To Care

Young people, do we take time to do acts of kindness to others? Every day, there are opportunities for us to show care for people and it is up to us to seize those moments. One such person who sought to do this was Ebed-Melech. When the prophet Jeremiah was in prison and left to die in waist deep mire, he seized the occasion to help him out.

“Now Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, one of the king’s eunuchs, who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon.” 
Jeremiah 38:7

Ebed-Melech was a black Ethiopian eunuch in the king’s house. He might have been despised by some people. Yet, he was concerned enough to care for Jeremiah. He did not miss out on this chance to save him. Let’s also seize the opportunities where we can show care to others.

Being That Person Who Will Seize The Opportunity

“So Ebed-Melech took the men with him and went into the house of the king under the treasury” 
Jeremiah 38:11

Ebed-Melech was the right person in the right place and at the right time. He must have risen up the ranks to be a eunuch in the king’s court. He was able to convince the king to save Jeremiah and for him to accede to his request shows that he had much clout. He was in a position where he could help people. Young people, we too are in unique positions where we can care for our family and friends. Let’s be that person that will act with love for others.

A Simple Act That Reveals Much

“Then Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, ‘Please put these old clothes and rags under your armpits, under the ropes.’ And Jeremiah did so.” 
Jeremiah 38:12

Ebed-Melech was concerned about Jeremiah getting hurt when they pulled him up by the ropes. He wanted to make sure that his skin would not be hurt. So he placed old clothes and rags under his armpits as they brought him up by the ropes. It showed the kindness that he had expressed for Jeremiah. It was a simple yet tender act. He could have gotten his soldiers to do it but he personally went to do this special act for Jeremiah. He even got the old clothes and rags himself. What an example!

Following The Example Of Ebed-Melech

Ebed-Melech had set for us an example of what it means to do small acts of love for others. Let’s also learn to look for opportunities to be kind and to show care to people. Let’s be committed to doing small acts of kindness All it takes is a moment of tenderness to encourage someone. Let’s seek to show to others that we really care.

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