Why is it we find kindness in this broken, angry world? 

Despite the ugliness of violence and greed, we still see moments of breathtaking beauty and compassion.

A stranger gives a kidney to a dying 12-year old. A soldier shelters children terrified by war. A colleague holds a friend undone by stress. A spouse forgives, and pledges to rebuild.

Not one of these advances some advantage. None reflect the law of tooth and claw. We do these things because we still retain, however faintly, the image of our great and kind Creator.

His goodness flows through even those who do not claim His name. “We love each other because He loved us first“ (1 John 4:18). “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is given to us” (Rom 5:5).  The Spirit points toward Jesus who always shines: “And the light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out” (John 1:5).

So offer thanks whenever kindness meets you. But know the truth: there’s nothing random in it.

And stay in grace. -Bill Knott