What would you do?

What is desired in a man is kindness. — Proverbs 19:22

I will never forget being in the "big blackout" of November 9, 1965. This widespread power outage darkened eight states in the northeastern US, and portions of Ontario and Quebec in eastern Canada — covering 80,000 square miles and affecting 30 million people.

With no electric lights, candles were in great demand. An announcer on a New York radio station that stayed on the air because it had auxiliary power reported, "An interesting drama is being unfolded on our streets. The price of candles in many stores has doubled. On the other hand, some good-hearted merchants are offering their candles at half price, or even giving them away."

Some store owners let their concern for others in the hour of emergency outweigh their desire for personal gain. Others, however, took advantage of the situation and put their personal gain ahead of their concern for others. The very same circumstances produced both self-seeking opportunists and selfless philanthropists.

How would we react? Would we have pity on those in need and show kindness to them? (PROVERBS 19:17,22). The words of GALATIANS 6:10 are the only fitting response: "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all."— Richard W. De Haan <

Do a deed of simple kindness,

Though its end you may not see;

It may reach, like widening ripples,

Down a long eternity. — Norris

READ: PROVERBS 19:17-22

Opportunities to be kind are never hard to find.