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PROGRAM D-8275
You’re probably familiar with the phrase “random acts of kindness.” Actually, it has become a movement—encouraging people to purposely plan and perform kind acts for others. Lots of research has been done which shows the incredible benefits for the person who decides to plan and execute random acts of kindness. According to research from Emory University, when you are kind to another person, your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is called the “helper’s high.”
Isn’t it interesting that when people follow the principles of Scripture, whether they are believers or not, they discover that it benefits everyone! The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone. . .” (2 Timothy 2:24). And to the church in Colossae he wrote, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). He was preaching “random acts of kindness” long before the term was coined.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we should be sharing “random acts of kindness” more than any others since we not only have the power to do so because we have the Holy Spirit, but we also have the great privilege of showing God’s love to a loveless, often cruel world. Then, as the studies show, we discover what Jesus told us—that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.
Here’s one last suggestion you might adopt as your banana ministry: Offer to pray for people—and then, of course, do it. When someone is sharing a problem or struggle, you don’t have to have answers, but you can always offer to pray for them. Be sure you keep a list of those you promised to pray for, and then check back with them when you can to see how they’re doing, reminding them that you’re still praying. This is a truly powerful banana ministry.
I hope I’ve encouraged you to truly get serious about developing your own banana ministry—and then share with me what that is. I’d love to hear how it works for you.