November 2024 – CONFIDENTIAL – Please keep in the family.
Dear Praying Friends,
As we journey through life, we’re reminded that true strength lies not in our accomplishments, but in the character we cultivate.
In Galatians 5:22, kindness is listed as one of the characteristics of a Spirit-filled life. True kindness is not always easy, especially when we are asked to extend it to those who have wronged us, orin difficult situations. Yet, we are called to emulate Christ’s kindness, which often came at great personal cost.
Kindness is an expression of love in action. It goes beyond mere feelings of sympathy or charity; it involves intentional acts to benefit others, often at our own expense. The Bible emphasizes that kindness is more than a mere suggestion; it is a command for believers to live in a way that reflects God’s grace and mercy.
Here are few examples from Scripture where kindness was shown in difficult situations, emphasizing how genuine kindness often involves sacrifice and a heart for others.
- David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)
After Saul’s death, David had every reason to eliminate any remaining descendants of Saul’s household to secure his reign. Instead, he showed immense kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, providing for him and restoring his grandfather’s land.
Key lesson: Kindness, even when it’s countercultural or inconvenient. - Joseph’s Kindness to His Brothers (Genesis 45)
Joseph had been betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, yet when he was in a position of power in Egypt, he showed kindness by forgiving them and providing for them during a famine.
Key lesson: Kindness when you’ve been deeply wronged. - The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The Samaritan had every reason to avoid helping a Jewish man beaten and left for dead. Jews and Samaritans were cultural enemies, but the Samaritan showed kindness by going out of his way to care for the man’s wounds and ensure his recovery.
Key lesson: Kindness to those who may not reciprocate. - Jesus’ Kindness to the Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)
When the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, He could have condemned her according to the law. Instead, He showed kindness by offering her grace and an opportunity for repentance, saying, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
Key lesson: Kindness that offers restoration rather than judgment.
Practical Ways to Show Genuine Christ-Like Kindness
- Forgiving Others
One of the hardest acts of kindness is forgiveness, especially when we’ve been deeply hurt. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is a powerful form of kindness because it frees both the giver and the receiver from the burden of resentment. - Going Out of Your Way to Help
Just like the Good Samaritan, genuine kindness often requires going beyond our comfort zone to help those in need. Whether it’s giving time, resources, or emotional support, acts of kindness often involve self-sacrifice. - Speaking Words of Life
Our words have power. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to use our words to build others up. Speaking words of encouragement, especially to those who may be struggling, is a profound way to demonstrate kindness. Choose to bless others with positive, uplifting words. - Serving without Expectation
Christ-like kindness is often shown in serving others without expecting anything in return. This could be serving in the church, helping a neighbor, or doing acts of kindness anonymously. Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). - Being Patient and Understanding
In a world that is often impatient and quick to judge, being patient and understanding is a rare but important form of kindness. Listening to others, empathizing with their struggles, and showing patience even when we’re frustrated can be a powerful testimony of God’s love.
We thank you for your consistent prayers. Your prayers mean a lot and we sincerely value them.
Blessings,
In His Vineyard,
Jolly Thomas (for the JSK team)
1 | Raja’s son, Abhi, had enrolled in a school in Pune. Initially, he was reluctant to attend school and preferred playing on his mobile. JSK team prayed with him and counselled him; we saw a remarkable change in him. He is now interested in studies and attends school. We praise God for this transformation. |
2 | Please pray for Shekhar, he has been unwell for a long time, with fluctuating sugar levels. The doctor has advised regular monitoring for diabetes. He is repeatedly falling sick due to stress at home, next month is his elder son’s wedding. Many arrangements have to be made, and he needs to travel to the village. This is adding to his stress, which is affecting his health. |
3 | Arpana works in Thane Municipal corporation. She has severe pain in the spinal cord and has regular headaches. Her son may go to Dubai for one year. Her son is concerned about his mother’s health. Please pray for her health and for the salvation of the family. |
4 | Please pray for Vikky. In his village, his father’s cotton crops were destroyed by the recent rains. This loss has had a profound impact on their livelihood. Please pray that God provides them with the resources to recover from this setback and also to restore what has been lost. |
5 | We give thanks as Geeta’s health has improved. She is now able to go to work and takes medication properly. Please pray that her upcoming blood tests, including her sugar levels, would show good results, and that she adheres to the doctor’s treatment properly. |
6 | Manali’s son could complete his graduation in Pharmacy. Her daughter also passed 2nd year of laboratory technician course. In her family she is the only one who has put her faith in the Lord. She attends church regularly. Please pray for her children that they will acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. |
7 | Please pray for Deepankar, that he will be consistent in taking the ART medication. He is currently on third line of treatment and is very irregular in taking medicines. He ignores godly counsel. |
8 | For the last two months Lamina had been suffering from cough and had severe joint pain. She took proper medication and is now able to go back to work. She acknowledges that it is the prayers of the saints that have healed her. She has put her faith in the Lord. Pray that she will grow in spiritual maturity. |
9 | Ashvini is suffering from spondylitis and has skin ailments. She works as a maid and doesn’t take proper care of herself. She feels very drowsy because of her medication. She has put her faith in Lord Jesus and goes to church regularly. Please uphold her in your prayer. |
10 | We want to praise God for Manish’s commitment to his job over the past few months. Previously, he would go to work only for a few days in a month, but now he is consistent. This change in him is an answer to prayer. |
11 | Please pray for Sunita, who has been unwell for quite some time. The doctor advised her to undergo several tests. All her reports came normal. However, she is still experiencing joint pain, has lack of appetite and is losing weight. She is under stress not knowing what could be the reason for her illness. |
12 | Mandakini was admitted in Bethany Hospital due to a high platelet count. She was feeling giddy and very weak. She took treatment for 2 days and now is doing well. We thank God for his grace upon her life. |
13 | We praise God for the safe delivery of Shyam’s wife, Karena. They have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl. We are overjoyed to hear that the delivery went smoothly. This is an answer to prayer. |
14 | Dina has to stand for a long time at her work place as a result she is experiencing severe pain in her legs. When she returns home, she feels very tired. The cooking and household chores are done by her mother. She does not speak kindly to anyone at home and gets easily irritated. Please pray for her that God would heal her and that she will have good relationships at home. |
15 | Please uphold Surekha in your prayers. She has fungal infection on her fingers. She is taking medicine but not much improvement. Please pray that she will be healed from this infection. |
16 | Please pray for Anshul, son of Sanjiv. After losing his mother, he often feels lonely and struggles with depression. He has no friends to whom he can confide to and is not able to share with his father. He occasionally turns to drugs. We request your prayer for healing and guidance for him during this difficult time. |
17 | We thank God for Maragan’s daughter. It has been 4-5 years since her marriage, and she was unable to conceive. They consulted many doctors and performed many religious rituals. Whenever JSK team visited, they would ask us to pray for them, and we always did. Praise God our prayers have been answered, and she is now in her seventh month of pregnancy. |
18 | Amita is a widow, jobless. Her brother works in a government place but does not support her financially. He spends money on alcohol and with friends. Sunita knows the Lord Jesus Christ and goes to church regularly. Please pray for God’s wisdom and grace upon Sunita’s life. |
19 | Praise God for Rajan, who met with an accident last month when a rickshaw hit his leg, resulting in a fracture. We prayed for his recovery and he also received timely treatment. We praise God; he is now fit and has started going to work again. |
20 | Please pray for Ramabai, who has severe blisters on her hands and is experiencing severe pain in her hands. Please pray for complete healing. |
21 | We will be having a JSK Positive Friends fellowship meeting on Wednesday 27th Nov at the hall outside Old Lok Hospital. Pray that God’s Word will move everyone towards spiritual maturity. Pray that God’s will be done and everything we do will be for His glory |
22 | Pray for Sudakar, who is suffering from a severe throat infection, and the doctors are unable to diagnose the exact problem. He is finding it difficult to eat and has become very weak. Both of his kidneys are functioning at only 50%. Pray for divine intervention, that God may bless him with good health. |
23 | We give thanks to God for Sanjay, who had been unwell for the past month with cold, cough, fever, and throat infection, which made it difficult for him to speak. He visited several doctors, but saw no improvement. Eventually, he consulted a nearby doctor, who prescribed medication, and now he is completely healed. We are thankful to God for his recovery. |
24 | Pray for Sachin as he is involved in occult practices. He is addicted to tobacco and liquor. There is no peace at home. JSK team counselled him but he is not interested. Pray for God’s intervention in his life. |
25 | Please pray for Jaya’s family, as they are facing serious property issues. They had rented out a property in their village to a person, but the tenant deceived them and managed to legally transfer the property into his own name. Now a court case is going on. Pray that God grants them justice and helps Anita’s family regain their rightful property. |
26 | We will be having a JSK Positive Friends fellowship meeting on Wednesday 27th Nov at the hall outside Old Lok Hospital. Pray that God’s Word will move everyone towards spiritual maturity. Pray that God’s will be done and everything we do will be for His glory |
27 | Pray for the many men who are addicted to tobacco and alcohol. Pray that God will help them to be released from this bondage. |
28 | Pray for Shreedhar and his wife, who are suffering from cold, cough, loose motions and physical weakness. They also have to take care of their uncle who is bedridden. Pray that their uncle will come to know the Lord as his Saviour. Pray for comfort and peace for the entire family. |
29 | Praise God for the changes in Jayachandran’s children. Previously, they were not interested in working. JSK team prayed and counselled them, now both have found reasonably good jobs. They are now actively supporting their family. Praise God for all His manifold blessings. |
30 | Please pray for all our teenage children and youths as they face various real-life challenges. Some are caught in unhealthy relationships, while others are struggling with addiction to internet. Pray that God will guide them and deliver them from their struggles. May each one find the strength to overcome their challenges and come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. |
