Mubita could hardly believe his eyes. The broken down well in his Zambian village finally worked. He had started to lose hope. People came to his village before, promising to repair the well. But the work was never done.

When an Unto^® local partner made a trip to Mubita’s village to assess the damaged well, villagers refused to get their hopes up. They had waited on help before.

It took some time, but together, Unto and local partners repaired the well. After all the ups and downs, the community was so happy to finally have access to safe, clean drinking water.

Mubita was surprised that the team was faithful to their word. Their kindness made an impression on him ― he knew he could trust them. When they shared about the eternal hope of Jesus, he willingly listened and responded.

Today Mubita and his family enjoy fresh water daily. And because of that fresh water, they also have God’s Living Water — the eternal hope of Jesus.

A similar scenario plays out in countries all across Africa. Where water was once scarce, an abundant source now flows. Those who once knew suffering, now taste goodness. As a result they cannot help but respond to an invitation from the Living Water when offered.

Glimpses of Kindness

Suffering reminds us that our world is not as it should be. People should not be thirsty. Children should not die of water-related illnesses. Families should not be hungry because they cannot water their crops.

Suffering also shows us our need for something — Someone — beyond ourselves. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

If suffering exposes our need, kindness leads us to the answer. The Apostle Paul wrote that God’s kindness should guide us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

His kindness pulls us out of our desperation. It invites us to turn around, choose a different path, and live anew. Such kindness is often communicated through the hands, feet, and words of people whose lives have been transformed by the kindness of Jesus.

Every time we show the kindness of Jesus to someone, we show them a glimpse of His character, kindness, and care. And over time we have the opportunity to share about the eternal hope that compels us to action.

Whether we build wells in Africa or serve someone in our own neighborhood, we have daily opportunities to show the kindness of Jesus to those in need. When we approach our day with a grateful, prayerful heart, we become more attentive to those around us and more intentional in our actions. We see the opportunities to pass on what we have so lavishly received.

Today spend some time reflecting on the kindness of God in your life. Then prayerfully look for ways to pass it on.

Kindness is both compelling and contagious. How will you show it to someone today?