God’s Kindness in Plain Sight
God’s kindness arrives daily—in color, taste, and joy.
📚 Devotional Credit:
Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
📸 Photo Credit:
Image by Unsplash
When Paul preached to people with no knowledge of Scripture—no church background, no understanding of the gospel—he didn’t begin by quoting Bible verses. Instead, he began with what they did know: the rhythms of rain, the satisfaction of harvest, and the joy of shared meals. He pointed to the natural world and said, “This is evidence. You’ve already seen God, whether you’ve realized it or not.”
That’s the key insight today. While the Jews needed their hearts opened to recognize Jesus in their Scriptures, the Gentiles needed their eyes opened to see God in creation. Paul tells them that nature isn’t chaos or coincidence. It is harmonious, rhythmic, and purposeful—revealing one living God who governs and gives.
Paul also addressed their moral questions. “If your God is good, why does evil exist?” Paul didn’t deny evil; he explained its root—free will. God gives humans the dignity of choice, even when we use that freedom to rebel. But God never lets evil run unchecked. In the middle of rejection, He still provides rain, fruit, joy, and family. He does not withdraw His witness. Every kindness is His calling card.
So when the gospel reaches non-religious hearts today, it may not start with chapter and verse. It might begin in the kitchen, the garden, or a quiet moment under a starlit sky. The One who made all things uses all things to draw people to Himself. And sometimes, preaching begins with pointing.
🖋 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit:
Beloved, I have not left Myself without a witness.
Every time the sky releases rain, I am speaking. Every bite of food that satisfies, every season that turns, every moment of laughter—these are more than coincidences. They are love-notes from My hand. I sustain your life with beauty and order, not because you earn it, but because I am faithful.
Even those who do not know My name are still pursued by My goodness. I do not wait for knowledge before I offer kindness. I gave the world breath before it learned My name. I gave joy before it sought My face. I give you freedom—real freedom—and I also protect you from the flood of unrestrained evil. Even when the world resists Me, I am not absent. My mercy sets boundaries.
When you encounter those who do not know Me, do not force what they have not yet seen. Show them what they alreadyknow and cannot explain—hunger met, beauty observed, peace desired, and love longed for. These longings are My fingerprints. The world may not yet recognize Me by name, but it knows My touch. Be My voice, My vessel, My pointer to joy.
Speak from the soil upward. Begin with the rain, the sunrise, the laughter around the table. Let your words reflect the truth that I am not far. I am here—sustaining, revealing, calling. I am the Living God who made all things—and I still give good gifts.
Scripture References:
Acts 14:15–17; Romans 1:19–20; Matthew 5:45; Psalm 145:9; James 1:17; Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 1:9; Colossians 1:16–17; 1 Timothy 2:4
🔍 Real-Life Analogy:
Imagine someone reaching into their mailbox and pulling out a postcard—not addressed to them personally, but with a beautiful image and the simple message: “Wish you were here.” They didn’t expect it. They don’t recognize the handwriting. But something about it sparks a curiosity and warmth.
That’s what the kindness of God is like to those who don’t yet know Him. It shows up unexpectedly—in a perfect slice of watermelon, in the cool breeze after a hot day, or in the laughter of children nearby. These aren't random comforts—they are the postcard messages from the God who made them.
So when your neighbor scoffs at the Bible, or when a friend says they just aren’t “into religion,” don’t be discouraged. Instead, join the Holy Spirit in pointing gently to what’s already been sent. When you see someone marvel at a sunset or breathe in the scent of fresh-cut grass, whisper inwardly, “Lord, I trust You to express Yourself through me here. Let my words and life confirm what You’ve already shown.” Then simply enjoy the moment with them—and let your life speak.
🙏 Prayer of Confidence:
Father, thank You that You are not silent. Even when hearts are closed and minds are distracted, You still pour out goodness. You fill this world with quiet testimonies of Your love—raindrops, peaches, sunlight, shared smiles. And You’ve placed Your Spirit within me to notice them.
I rejoice that You are drawing people long before I ever speak. Let me never force or rush Your timing. Instead, I yield to You, trusting that as I rest in Your life within me, You will express truth through my tone, through my presence, through my peace. Thank You for being the God who fills hearts with joy—mine included.