Be Kind: Devotions for Developing the Heart God DesiresSample

The beautiful scene in today’s text was made possible by God’s ministry through Paul to the Roman centurion on board his ship that had just wrecked onto the island of Malta. The other soldiers had planned to kill the prisoners, but this centurion had come to like Paul and decided that the prisoners should swim or drift ashore. Paul’s gospel testimony saved lives! However, they still had to survive in Malta. 

The local people of Malta lit a fire for them and took them in because it was raining and cold. This kindness was unprompted, and the shipwreck survivors would not likely be able to repay this kindness, having tossed valuables overboard (28:18,19). What a beautiful legacy. The people of Malta were legendary hosts whose hospitality is recorded in the Bible for all time. This shows that kindness is not exclusive to Christianity. 

However, just because non-Christians can be kind, our calling to kindness shouldn't be lessened. We are called by Jesus to be set apart for kindness. And our kindness is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. So, just because people who don't know Jesus can be kind, doesn't mean that we are somehow off the hook. In fact, like how Paul responded to the situation in Malta, it should lead us to further acts of kindness in return.