Lessons from a Paintbrush
Kindness, Generosity, and Action
Lessons from a Paintbrush
Kindness, Generosity, and Action
Introduction
Recently, I came across a compelling story online “got me in the feels.” It narrated an encounter between the storyteller and a young kid in his neighborhood. The tale unfolded during a simple house-painting task and evolved into a poignant life lesson: every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child. In this blog, I will discuss the layers of meaning in this story, examining it through the lens of key scriptural teachings.
The Undeniable Impact of Kindness
In the story, the young kid asks the storyteller what he's doing. Intrigued by the act of painting, the kid soon finds himself with a brush in hand, sharing in the task. The seemingly simple act of kindness exemplifies a principle found in the Gospel of Matthew: "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in" (Matthew 25:35). The storyteller's openness to include the kid in his chore goes beyond mere hospitality; it's a real-world instance of a scriptural teaching, reminding us that caring for others often starts with small, simple acts.
Generosity As a Social Imperative
As the afternoon passes, the kid reveals his harsh home conditions: a lack of parental care and scarce food. In response, the storyteller promptly gathers food for the young one. It brings to mind a teaching from the Acts of the Apostles: "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need" (Acts 2:44-45). The storyteller didn't just offer food; he essentially lived out a principle of communal care and generosity.
Faith in Action: The Indispensable Role of Deeds
The Epistle of James tells us, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (James 2:14-16). The storyteller's actions were in alignment with this teaching. He saw a need and filled it, an embodiment of faith made tangible through deeds.
Conclusion: Lessons for Life
The story ended with a haunting but insightful observation: every child deserves a parent, but not every parent deserves a child. It's a lesson that transcends the immediate context, compelling us to think deeply about our roles within larger societal structures. By dissecting this story through the framework of scriptural teachings, we're reminded of our ethical and moral responsibilities to one another, which are often best expressed through kindness, generosity, and action. The story isn't just an anecdote; it's a microcosm of the principles that should guide us all.