A young factory worker noticed one day that a valuable tool was missing from his toolbox. Later he recognized it in the toolbox of a fellow employee.

The young man was the only Christian in the shop, and he wanted to have a good testimony for Christ. So he went to the man and said, “I see you have one of my tools, but you may keep it if you need it.” Then he went on with his work and put the incident out of his mind.

During the next 2 weeks, the person who had taken the tool tried to soothe his conscience. First he offered the young man something of equal value, then he offered to help him on some home projects, and finally he slipped some money into his coat pocket. Eventually, the co-workers became good friends, and the one-time tool thief admitted he couldn’t resist the man’s kindness.

Kindness is probably the most effective tool Christians have in their kit of virtues. But even when it doesn’t bring about a reconciliation, as it did with those two workers, it is still the right response. No matter how we are treated, we are to follow Christ’s example (Eph. 4:32).

Oh, for grace to extend love to others, even as God for Christ’s sake has loved us!

  — Henry G. Bosch