The ship Paul was on as he was being taken to Italy got caught up in a storm and came ashore on the island of Malta. The islanders there showed kindness to those from the ship; building a fire for them to warm them up. Reading in Acts 28:1-10 we come across the event of Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and getting bit by a poisonous viper. The islanders thought Paul would soon die but he suffered no ill effects so they believed Paul was a god (v. 6).

The chief official of the island had an estate nearby so he welcomed them in and showed generous hospitality to them for three days (v. 7).  Paul was observant of the chief official’s situation. His father was sick in bed in a back bedroom. On one occasion, Paul went to visit the chief official’s father, prayed for him, and healed him. In the days to follow, the rest of the sick on the island came to Paul to be cured (v. 9).

Once they were ready to set sail again for Italy, the islanders honored Paul and the crew in many ways and also furnished them with supplies (v. 10). Just as Paul was observant and helpful to the islanders, we should always pay attention to ways we can be helpful and kind to our neighbor. This day with God can be amazing if we are observant to the needs of our neighbor.

Lord, this day we want to be more observant and take every chance today to be kind to our neighbors. We are called to care; to be compassionate and compassion demands action. Today’s passage has taught us about being kind to our neighbor and our neighbor is not just the people that live next door but are everywhere in this world. Everyone that has a need and could use an act of kindness is our neighbor. Help us to be Your hands and feet to bless others today. Amen.

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