The Gospel Wears Kindness

Recently, I met a friend for lunch at Furman University. Another person joined us—his name was Tim. Tim had been a meteorologist for a station in Memphis for many years. As we talked, I shared a little about my family history, and in response, Tim had a story to tell me.

It was Christmas Day—his first Christmas away from home while working at the radio station. Every week, there was a program that aired at 8:30 in the morning, and the broadcaster for that program was known for arriving at exactly 8:29. But on this particular Christmas morning, he showed up 15 minutes early, carrying a big plate of breakfast. He told Tim, “My wife was making breakfast this morning and said, ‘Tim might like or need something to eat.’”

That simple act of kindness—someone remembering a young man spending his first Christmas alone—has stayed with Tim for 40 years. As he took off his glasses, tears welled up in his eyes. He told me that he always gets choked up telling this story, and he has shared it many times over the years.

My mother-in-law, who made that meal, and my father-in-law, who delivered it, have since passed away. To them, it was probably just a small, thoughtful gesture—something they never thought twice about. But Tim remembered. It’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness, often unnoticed, can leave a lasting impact.

As Colossians 3:12 reminds us, Christians are called to clothe themselves with kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience. Tim has never forgotten that moment, and he continues to share it. Is kindness a part of your testimony of grace? Could it be that your kindness drew someone to the gospel? 

Let’s wear kindness as we live out the gospel.