Fill The Pots With Kindness

(Read Philippians 4)

“It was probably my freshman year in college when I started noticing Jesus in my life,” she told me. “One day, I saw some students handing out rubber bracelets. The statement read, ‘If you believe in God, you’re already saved.'”

Jesus talks to us in different ways, never the same way for two people, and never with the timing we expect.

My relative (K) continued, “The wrist bands got me thinking and in some way, it made me feel more connected.” I think she was already motivated by faith, but this event exposed a fresh layer of faith within her.

(K) went to Catholic school growing up. According to (K), her family was mainly Christmas and Easter worshippers. She wished she had gone to church more but she has a realistic view on church attendance, especially for someone who grew up in a tradition where it was viewed as mandatory. Make no mistake, Church is essentially important for (K), “It gives me a sense of community. But God is not always in the walls of a church building. I can follow God from where I am,” she said.

Later in her freshman year, (K) had a panic attack. She ended up in the ER. She was feeling alone and was overwhelmed with the pressures of school at that time. Eventually, God brought good out of this dark time in her life. “I realized that there were so many people caring for me (in the ER), giving of themselves and their time for me — and they didn’t even know me.” She told me that this example of grace and kindness has had a lasting impact on her.

Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.”
Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few.
Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”
She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring.
When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.
She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”
2 Kings 4:2-10

The woman in this passage had absolutely nothing of value in her life but for some olive oil. Her creditors were coming to take her children as slaves. Elisha made her commit herself in faith to God’s promises. Borrowing things from your neighbors in this manner created awkwardness, but she did as she was commanded. The miracle of the sudden abundance of oil is a miracle of mercy and multiplication. The miracle happened because the widow acted on her faith and said yes to God’s plan. She listened to God, not to her fears.

(K) is my daughter’s age. I’ve known her since she was born. She has always been a sensitive, loving, gentle soul with a huge heart. She likes to make people happy but most of all, she sees the good in people. While (K) is beaming and good natured, don’t be fooled by this outward demeanor. She’s Chevy tough. Her faith and determination have brought her through the darkest valleys to reach lifetime dreams.

“A friend from graduate school, encouraged me to attend church with her,” (K) explained. We discussed how church attendance is always helpful to have active faith. She said she wouldn’t have gone alone so it was key that her friend extended the offer. “It’s a show of faith to take someone with you,” she said. They attended a megachurch service with powerful musical performances and gifted preaching. “During the sermon, the Pastor talked about filling up pots with kindness.” She continued, “By being kind to one person, they can give kindness to another. It was a Biblical analogy of filling up jars of oil.” (K) was passionate as she described this to me. Lighting up, she said, “The message really struck me. I could see how it related to my life and even how I can apply it.”

While I wish (K) was my Goddaughter, I still try to treat her as one. How she lives her life shows pure evidence of the core of her faith. She is always open to talk about God, Church, and her beliefs. I gave her a study Bible one year because of the interest she continued to show in our discussions. She trusts in her Savior and in the people who are pillars in her life. “There are moments when I feel at my lowest, I know that there are people who will step in to support and help me.”

Soon, we discovered, it would be best to leave the public space we were in to talk in a quiet room. She went through a horrible period in her life with family problems that most people will never experience. (K) witnessed conflict that shattered her perception of family life. Tearing up, she said, “What I saw was different from what I knew my entire life. There would never be a time when I could make jokes about it.”

A few years earlier, (K) had seen Philippians 4:12-13 in High School.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

(K) was upset but she was extremely willing to continue sharing her story. She reflected on that time of her life, “If I can get through this, it will make me a stronger person and connect me more to God and my faith.” It did. That same year (K) went to another country to attend vet school. So, far from home, alone, with scars to carry, she pursued her ambition with gritty faith as her engine. A lot of negative energy was weighing on her during this period, but her faith prevailed. “It took a lot to get through that. But I made it through.”

The true meaning of Philippians 4:13-13 is fully understood by (K). It’s not about Christ giving us what we ask for simply because we ask for it. It’s not about Him letting us run a 2-hour marathon or succeeding every time we say this prayer, it’s about knowing whatever situation we are put in, Jesus Christ will strengthen us. We will be brought low, but because of Christ, we will surface. As Christians our life is about working from acceptance and not
towards it. (K) knows she’s accepted and loved by God, she doesn’t have to earn that acceptance by anything else she can do or say in her life. She lives her life with the confidence of already being saved.

“I see hope in my youngest family members,” she replied. “In my two nieces. One who is about to undergo a series of heart procedures.” This niece was born with a condition that requires multiple surgeries through her life to ensure that her heart grows and functions properly.” The other niece is also my Granddaughter who we’ll write about in another devotional.

(K) continued, “I also get so much inspiration from my brother. He went from someone who
didn’t really know what was going on to someone who lifts me up. Someone with deep, deep faith. He sends me passages from the Bible and can quote scripture! My (little) brother is now, someone I look up to.”

How Do You Share the Gospel with Someone Who Might Not Be A Believer?

“If I run into a non-believer and they ask about God, I ask them what do they expect? What do they want? Do they want to go to church with me? It could even be a small group where they can discuss and learn about dealing with small problems.” (K) had experienced a side of the church that included some forced learning and worship practices, so she has strong opinions about introducing Jesus to people who don’t yet follow Him. “I feel that people have to face and learn faith on their own. You can’t force it on people.”

Following Jesus Christ has given (K) the tools she needed to navigate through the dark pathways of her life. Her faith in Him has given her strength and peace to conquer heights she may never have expected to reach! (K) has filled the pot of kindness, she has taken the jars of oil and shared them with others for them to receive and thrive. (K) inspires others to be better than they believe they can be. In her own life, (K) has shown faith, when I might have given up. She can do all things through Him, for Him, who strengthens her.

She is a powerful example about what God can do in the heart and mind of every Christian. (K) experienced anxiety, doubt, and severe stress at different times in her life, but through her weakness, she gained victory through Christ’s strength.

Contentment does not require comfort. You can have it in even dire circumstances.
— Charles R. Swindoll

Key Applications:

1] What is inspiration? How do you inspire change in others? Is there something you can do or something you can say that will make a change in someone in your life this week? We have more of an impact on people’s lives than we know. Take responsibility and be that example that inspires.

2] Faith doesn’t always make sense. It also can frequently make us uncomfortable. Is that a plus or a minus? For some people, that’s a deal-breaker. But Jesus didn’t pick apostles who quit on Him. He doesn’t pick his followers randomly either. This week, let your faith guide you, not your app, favorite TV show, or news show. Following earthly things creates temporary happiness. Following your faith creates lasting contentment, calm, and peace.

3] (K) is an example of working faith. Having faith isn’t sitting around, waiting for God to snap His fingers to make everything work out. Faith is an ongoing, conscious, and active commitment. Read 2 Kings 2-10. Just picture yourself in that woman’s situation. Would you be able to swallow your pride long enough to ask neighbors for that kind of help? Awkwardness usually bothers proud people more than it does the humble. Pray to Jesus for humility in your life. When given an opportunity to show your faith, don’t hesitate, tie your shoes and go.

Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.