I Corinthians 13 – Love Is Kind
Ron continues his love series from I Corinthians 13 with a post entitled, “Love is Kind” In this series, Ron breaks down I Corinthians 13:4-7 into easily segments by using a selection of “love” themed short stories. This post is about Bob, who likes to exercise his “kindness muscle!”
Love is Kind
Bob whistled softly as he cleared the breakfast dishes from the table and added them to those from the night before already in the dishwasher. Focused on his task, he didn’t notice that Elaine had come into the kitchen until she spoke.
“Do you think you could be a little noisier Bob? I can’t hear myself think.”
Bob was startled. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I thought I was being quiet.”
“Well, think again. I like a few moments of peace in the morning before I head off to work,” she said, as she set a dirty coffee mug on the table.
When she left the room, Bob carefully, and quietly, resumed his work.
Bob, Mr. Garvey and Billy
After finishing his morning chores, Bob got into the car and headed off to the office. He and Elaine lived in an old part of the city and street parking was a challenge. A few people had made a parking spot for themselves on what had been their front yards. Bob noticed old Mr. Garvey trying to back out onto the street, so he stopped and waved an “all clear” to his neighbour. Mr. Garvey gave a two toot “thank you” with his horn as he drove away.
Isolated Bob
Because family finances were tight, Bob parked a long way from his place of business. As he walked along the sidewalk, he observed Billy waiting at the corner. Billy lived in a group home but spent most of his time on the street. Naturally outgoing, he loved to engage with people but his sometimes odd behaviour and awkward conversation topics left him isolated. Bob, who had made a point of befriending Billy, glanced at his watch. If he hurried he’d have time for a coffee with his unusual friend.
Billy walked toward him. “I was hoping you’d come along. The man at the bistro won’t let me in unless somebody is with me.”
“I’ll go with you, though I can’t stay long today,” said Bob. Together the two men entered the bistro and sat down. Walter, the server, was clearly not happy but, because Billy had a paying customer with him, he couldn’t refuse to serve them. After all, he’d made the rule.
The two men chatted about life on St Paul street for a while. A homeless man had been mugged the night before and Billy wanted to talk about it. Bob reminded him that since he had a safe place to go at night, he would probably be OK. Billy seemed somewhat comforted by this thought and Bob took the opportunity to excuse himself.
Bob’s Kindness Muscle
He was greeting Jenny, the receptionist, when Ed walked in. “What’s the matter with you? I see you’re falling off the bottom of the board.” (He was referring to a chart in the sales office where the salesmen kept track of their progress)
Bob smiled. “Actually, I’m pretty much in the middle of the pack, Ed. I see you’re still at the top. Good for you!”
Ed laughed. “They told me it would be lonely at the top,” he paused for effect, “and it is. Maybe I should thank you for not providing any competition for me.”
Jenny winced as Ed gave Bob what could’ve been a playful punch on the shoulder and headed down the hall. “Why do you let him treat you like that?” she asked.
“I don’t think Ed means any harm. He just doesn’t know how to relate to people as equals. He treats his clients like royalty and his colleagues like peasants.”
“I don’t know,” said Jenny. “I think you’re just too kind to him. Ed is loud and rude and doesn’t deserve your consideration.”
“If I were only kind to people like you, Jenny, I’m not sure anyone could call me a kind person. It’s easy to be kind to nice people. Guys like Ed give me a chance to flex my kindness muscle.”
Jenny screwed up her face and shook her head as Bob turned to go down the hall to his office. “I don’t get it, Bob. You’re so kind to people it’s almost like you love everybody.”
“You know what they say, Jenny.” He tossed the comment over his shoulder. “Love is kind.”
How have you learned to be kind? Contact us– we’d love to hear from you!
Ron Hughes
Ron Hughes is the former President of FBH International He developed his interest in technology and mass communications during his highschool years in Peterborough, Ontario.
He received a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University where he graduated as the program’s “outstanding graduate.” He gained experience working in both commercial and cultural radio stations in Southern Ontario as well as engaging in freelance production.
In 1983, he and his wife, Debbie, moved to Ecuador where they served as missionaries for 10 years. There, Ron produced radio specials and numerous music albums as well as several videos. Some of these videos were the first ever produced in Ecuador’s major indigenous languages. In 1993, the Hughes family returned to Canada at the invitation of FBH International (then Family Bible Hour) and oversaw the ministry for many years.
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