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Recently I saw a video clip about a delivery man named Anthony, who not only delivered items to an area in America, but he also had a profound effect on anyone he came into contact with. He did his job very well yet he went above and beyond his duties in the way he spoke to people with the utmost kindness and courtesy. One lady said he spreads joy with his “bright light” and made her feel like the most important person on earth as he efficiently delivered her packages during the shutdowns and lockdowns of COVID in 2020 where so many were indeed home alone and starved for human interaction. Subsequently a large neighbourhood group arranged a day to publicly thank Anthony, an essential worker, while lining the streets in cars and on foot holding placards and signs. Adults, children, and many a pet dog came out to show their appreciation and to honour him with their attendance on a cold, wintry day. A speech was delivered along with cards, baked goods, and gifts. He gave a humble response indicating he was very touched and genuinely thankful for their kind and meaningful expressions of gratefulness. This was only one of the beautiful and positive highlights from last year that we need to see in order to shift the balance from all the grim news out there.
This was no random act of kindness or good deed for the day but rather a concerted effort to do things to the best of his ability. Clearly he had good conversational skills and empathy for others in order to converse the way he did and with the content he carefully chose, therefore this came naturally to him like a special gift. Imagine being the highlight in someone’s day while they were isolated and lonely. Perhaps you have been too? He filled a need, but he could have just delivered the packages and left with only a brief greeting or none at all when ringing the doorbell or knocking on doors, yet he chose not to do the usual thing, the ordinary thing, and instead decided to supply something extra to brighten the day of everyone on his delivery route. Anthony cared and showed respect, love, kindness and consideration by going that “extra mile” with his time. This did not go unrecognised, which it may well have before COVID. Human nature shows that people are more thankful and appreciative in times of hardship, but this can quickly change when times are easy with plenty and there are no restrictions.
At the end of the short clip it was said to “pay it forward” which means the recipient should do likewise, denoting that they do something that would encourage or inspire others, as was done for them. The thing is Anthony already has. Paying it forward suggests we only do something good to another if we have received something nice first. This concept has become more popular throughout the world and seems like a pleasant gesture on the surface. In 2007, International Pay It Forward Day was founded in Australia by Blake Beattie and has now spread to 70 countries with more than 50 state and city proclamations. It is estimated that it has inspired over five million acts of kindness which is a good thing surely; however, it is reactive rather than proactive in practice. Is this how Christians should behave? As disciples and followers of Christ we can certainly reciprocate by any number of means to those who have shown us a kind word or deed, but God says He holds His children to a much higher account.
Let us take to our Bibles to see exactly what God says about how we should treat others. There are a plethora or multitude of scriptures that talk about doing good to those around us. All one has to do is Google this and links pop up with information for us to research and learn from. Ecclesiastes 9:10 reveals that we should always work to the best of our abilities and carry this through into all aspects of our lives as this will inevitably include doing good to and for others. Colossians 3:23 confirms and supports this wisdom too. Psalms and Proverbs contain a wealth to draw from on this important subject and to meditate upon. Matthew 5:16 says we should shine our lights in doing good so that others will glorify God, for when we do good our lights shine brightly to those in the world. Hebrews 10:24 mentions we need to encourage one another to stir up love and good works. Galatians 6:9 instructs us that we should not grow weary or tired of doing good while Galatians 6:10 teaches that we are to do good especially to the household of faith — our brethren.
Ephesians 2:10 affirms we were created by God to do good works, so we look to the example Jesus Christ set in order to become like Him while going about our daily routines. The Bible is full of accounts showing how Christ loved others by doing good even when He was treated woefully. Unlike reciprocating to others by “paying it forward” we need to follow Jesus Christ’s example and make a conscious effort to determine each day when we go about our lives that we have a positive impact upon those we come into contact with. This should happen as our baseline whether good or bad happens to us as we are to love all and this includes our enemies (Proverbs 25:21-22, Romans 12:20-21). By offering and showing Agape love to others who may have intentionally or unintentionally hurt us, this can be incredibly healing and sets a sterling example in giving them something to think about when it is not expected. It may very well be the exact thing that has a profound impact which brings about change.
Proverbs 3:27-28 is one verse which has particularly had an impact upon me to bring about change and pricks my conscience each and every time, especially when tired, stressed, busy, or I just don’t feel like it...“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you”. If we make the effort God certainly blesses those who have a willing heart by doing good to others.
The following link contains a reference to a book written by Lloyd C Douglas, first published in 1929. He writes on a biblical theme based on Matthew 6:1-4 highlighting doing good deeds anonymously or in secret as opposed to announcing that we are doing good. Douglas later wrote another book in 1939 in response to the sheer volume of letters he received from readers who requested to know where they could find the book to which he referred in the novel — Dr. Hudson's Secret Journal. The Robert Merrick character decoded the journal, from which he learned the secret of his extraordinary success as a doctor. According to the book, the secret was the literal practice of doing good deeds secretly, and thereby reaping spiritual power to use in becoming an excellent doctor. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnificent_Obsession
While researching for this article, and many others, it is quite a nice blessing to come across authors from bygone eras that one knows nothing about, and we enjoy borrowing these books and movies in moderation from our local library in order to appreciate selective viewing. What could be more exciting and enjoyable than committing to our magnificent God our lives in humble service while waiting for His Kingdom?