“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6-7, NIV).
Recently, I attended a minor league baseball game with my family. We enjoyed the view from our seats, the all-you-can-eat concession stand, and the in-between-innings entertainment. Early in the game, a player from the opposing team hit a foul ball. The baseball sailed high into the air before falling into the stands, taking a few unpredictable bounces off nearby seats, and landing in the waiting hands of my son, Aidan. He was now the proud owner of his very own baseball that had been used by the professionals! I commented on Aidan’s “luck” at catching a foul ball, and humbly shared the fact that I had never caught a foul ball before. He was surprised by that, as he held his souvenir baseball tightly in hand.
Later in the evening, Aidan approached me and told me that he wanted me to have the baseball he had caught at the game. I knew how special it was to him and was amazed at the sacrifice he was willing to make. I allowed Aidan to keep his baseball, but I still hold tightly to the memory we share of the game.
Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit spoken of by the Apostle Paul. Kindness is demonstrated when we put the best interests of others ahead of our own. Of course, we have the ultimate example of kindness shown to us in Jesus. He was willing to exchange our sins for his grace.
I won’t soon forget Aidan’s kindness in offering me his baseball. I’ll always remember the kindness of Jesus in giving me eternal life.
Chuck Kralik, Author 