APRIL 12

Love is Kind

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a; Luke 10:25-37

I could not help but notice how my uncle Bob was walking so gingerly along the pathway in front of me.  We were in Uganda; we had just finished a session in the Pastor’s Conference at the school and were on our way back to the guest house.  I looked at Bob’s feet and instantly diagnosed the problem–he was wearing some old worn-out sandals instead of the shoes he had left with that morning.  It turned out that one of the Ugandan pastors had told Bob that his sandals made his feet hurt.  So Bob kindly traded his shoes to the fellow in exchange for those sandals.  It was when we got back to the guesthouse that we found out why the sandals hurt his feet.  The soles had been reattached with nails the heads of which were protruding through the insoles.  Owie!  It was an act of kindness for sure!

We are kind when we are “disposed to be helpful.”  Kindness is a readiness to do good, relieve burdens, to be useful, to serve.  Someone has said that kindness is “love in work clothes.”  The story of the Good Samaritan is a splendid example of love expressed in showing kindness towards someone.  A poor fella was beaten and robbed.  The Good Samaritan showed compassion.  He bound up the man’s wounds, put him on his own animal, took him to the inn, and then cared for him. Then when he had to leave, he paid the innkeeper to take care of the man until he could return.  

The life of Jesus is full of examples of Him showing kindness to others.  As Acts 10:38 puts it, “He went about doing good,” as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, cleansed lepers, gave sight to the blind, etc.  “The kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared” when Jesus came to dwell among us (Titus 3:4).  It is at the cross where the full measure of His kindness was revealed!  And Jesus’ work on the cross instructs us “kind-ward” as Amy Carmichael once observed, “If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”

There are countless ways for us to show kindness towards others, just as we humans invariably find ourselves in needy situations.  In compassion we show concern by doing what we can to help.  A kind word to a discouraged friend can go a long way in lifting their spirits. Simple things, like buying someone’s coffee or lunch can make someone’s day.  It’s great to help a neighbor with a project at their house.  Or even just to be there with a caring presence for someone who is sick or bereaved will mean a lot.  The list goes on and on.  The greatest act of kindness of all is to share the gospel with someone, so that they might come to know Him who is always kind and is kind in the greatest measure.  And like the Good Samaritan, it is great to show kindness towards someone you don’t know.  Let that person behind you go first through the checkout line.  Donate helpful items to the Rescue Mission.  Or better yet, find a ministry like that in which you can help others in need.  Contribute to worthwhile causes that work to show kindness to folks all around the world. Even as many organizations are now raising funds to help those in Ukraine or those who have fled the country.   

With respect to showing kindness towards others, the American Quaker Missionary, Stephen Grellet, put it this way: “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

In Loving Like Jesus, We Will Find Countless Opportunities to Show Kindness

Heaven Father.  We praise and thank You that there was a day in which Your kindness appeared in the incarnation of Your Son.  And how incredibly blessed we are in Your kindness, that has worked to meet our greatest need.  We know that as Your children, You’ve called us to be imitators of You.  We are humbled by the reality of such a high calling.  May we walk accordingly.  All around us we see people with needs–great and small!  How privileged we are to have the opportunity to serve You by serving others.  Grant us the eyes to see and hearts to care in working to meet their needs, according to Your plan and leading.  And we will be careful to praise You in all, knowing that any good deeds we do have been prepared ahead of time by You!  Amen!

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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