Chrestotes 3

Matthew 10:40-42

On our way to class in Delaware, Ohio last summer, my friend and I stopped at Wal-Mart to get some supplies. Among other things, I found a box of chocolates (the ones wrapped in gold foil), and in appreciation for helping us find what we were looking for, I gave one of the chocolates to an employee.

Caught up in the fun, I gave one to our cashier, then one to another cashier, and another. Then one went to a fellow customer and one went to the greeter. I left the store with only a few chocolates but an incredible warmth from sharing simple kindnesses.

In chapter 10 of Matthew Jesus is sending out the disciples to be in their own ministry for a while. And so the bulk of this chapter is instructions for these twelve. Jesus concludes with today’s reading. Those who receive the disciples receive who else as well? What do you think a prophet’s reward might be?

Jesus sums up all of his instruction with the promise that those people who receive the disciples will be blessed. His final comment is that anyone who gives as small of an act of kindness as giving a cup of water to a child will be rewarded by God.

The point seems to be that acts of chrestotes need not be profound or earth-shattering. Welcoming an evangel receives blessings. Listening to a prophet receives blessings. Even a cup of water given in kindness nets blessings from God.

Why is that? Well, Jesus explained that if you receive – that is, welcome and listen to and obey – the one he has sent, then you are also welcoming, listening to and obeying Jesus. And if you do all that with Jesus, you are doing it with God, because God sent Jesus and Jesus sent the disciples.

But it is also because you have an attitude of chrestotes – a gentle, sweet kindness. You are willing to be kind and giving, even in little things, things that can be overlooked.

This receives blessings from God. This fills our spirit with goodness and holiness. It is the simple and small things – small acts of goodness – that make the biggest difference sometimes.

We can’t overlook the bigger efforts for God’s kingdom, certainly, but not everyone is called and equipped for big efforts. All of us are capable of showing kindness in some way, and all of us are called to exhibit this chrestotes in all things.

DAILY CHALLENGE: The next time you are in a check-out line, ask the cashier which bottled drink they prefer and then buy them one to be enjoyed on their break.