No Little Kindness

S-Scripture:  Acts 28:2, “2And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.”  (KJV)

O-Observation:  Paul was being transported to Rome by boat.  This journey was very treacherous.  The winds and the waves were causing severe troubles.  Because of being shipwrecked, Paul and the rest of the people on the boat ended up on the island of Malta.    The people on the island were very barbarous or uncivilized in culture, but their kindness should be modeled by all of us who call ourselves Christians.  They treated the people with respect and dignity.  They “shewed us no little kindness.”  In other words, their kindness and love is truly seen in this passage of Scripture. 

A-Application:  The first thing we need to learn from this passage of Scripture is the example the people of Malta displayed to these strangers who ended up on their island. 

• They showed MUCH kindness to Paul, and his shipmates.
• Their actions spoke louder than their words.
• They received these people because it was cold and rainy (it didn’t matter their status, they saw other human beings in need). 

As Christ-Followers we are called on to love one another.  We are called on to love our enemies, and even pray for them!  We are called on to display hospitality to those who are in need!  May we learn from this example to do a better job of reaching out to people who are in need! 

P-Prayer:  Father, thank You for the people of Malta!  Thank You for their kindness and their openness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Thank You for their example the set in this passage of Scripture!  Help me to be hospitable!  Help me to love people!  In Jesus name.  Amen!