We all know what happens if you toss a pebble into a pond. After the initial splash small waves radiate out from the impact site. We call these ripples. The ripple effect from a pebble splash is relatively insignificant. But let’s go to the other end of the spectrum and consider an earthquake. Seismic waves radiate out from the epicentre of an earthquake and, depending on its size and location, the effect can be absolutely devastating.

This analogy flows through to human behaviour. If you think about it, everything we do and say has some sort of effect – either on our environment, the people around us, or both. Most times the impact is quite minor but occasionally it can be life-changing. For example, we’ve heard some sad stories about young people being bullied on social media. Some have even taken their own lives.

However we can also use our words and actions to create positive effects. In his book, “The Ripple Effect” (2001), the author Tony Ryan tells a story about a friend of his who helped someone tremendously with a simple act of kindness. A young mother was crying and her baby was distraught in the food court of a shopping centre. The authors friend bought the mother a cup of tea and nursed her baby for a few minutes. They both calmed down and the mother thanked her rescuer. It came out later that the mother was contemplating suicide and didn’t know what to do with her baby. That simple intervention potentially saved a life.

Quite a few books and media comments have been written on this theme of the consequences of our actions – with the message being to therefore try always to be kind. This is not a new message.

The Bible records the teaching of Jesus and his disciples that we should always seek to be kind and helpful, not aggressive and selfish.

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” Luke 6:35 (NLT)

The Bible is worth reading, not only for the best way to live your life, but also how to save it!