The “Ripple Effects”of Kindness

An Assistant Minister at my church gave a profound sermon called “The Ripple Effects of Sin.” He explained how the simplest of unkind thoughts, words, or deeds can have negative effects far beyond your comprehension toward people & circumstances.

Imagine, if you will, what the Ripple Effects of Kindness can have?

Kindness is defined as “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.” https://www.google.com/#q=kindness+definition

An amazing YouTube video is called: Life Vest Inside: Boomerang of Kindness. It depicts how the simplest act of kindness by a construction worker rippled into many other acts of kindness, the final one being returned to him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Vvv8EqS3M&list=FLm45XZhMa6FUSdJjOLEyuWw

Something as simple as holding the door open for someone may change that person’s entire disposition. This may help make them aware of others around them and do something for someone else. This can have a “domino effect” in which it will stimulate others to do the same. It may also have a “boomerang effect” in which you get back what you put out.

“Be a reflection of what you’d like to see in others. If you want love, give love. If you want honesty, give honesty. If you want respect, give respect. You get in return, what you give.” – unknown

You may not see immediate results of your consistent kindness: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” ― Nelson Henderson

The Bible discusses the effects of kindness & doing good toward others:

2 Peter 1:5-8 (NKJV): “5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV): “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Luke 6:35 (NKJV): “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

Hosea 10:12 (NKJV): ”Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.”

We can begin with sincere thought & prayers for others. The “ripples” we start define us and become our legacy.

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remain and is immortal.” – Mason Albert Pike

What “ripple effects” are you causing today?