SHOW YOUR KINDNESS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 

“To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown.” Job 6:14 NKJV 

Doctor Pedro Jose Greer has become a legend in Miami, Florida. As an intern, he treated a homeless man with tuberculosis, a usually curable disease that had progressed to a fatal stage. Greer was appalled that someone in his own neighborhood could be so poor and ignorant that he failed to seek medical treatment. As the man lay dying, Greer spent four days searching the streets for the man’s family, hoping he wouldn’t have to die alone. But Greer did more than that. Rather than merely bemoan this one case, he took action. He set up a clinic in a shelter, beginning with only a folding table. Then he went out and found other doctors who were willing to work with him. Eventually, his Camillus Health Concern became one of the largest providers of medical care for the poor in South Florida, treating thousands of patients every year. Greer has won numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts, yet he has never forgotten the man who died alone. Between the three days each week he spends at the clinic and the time he spends in private practice, he searches Miami’s worst streets looking for those who need medical care. His work costs him a lot, yet “Doctor Joe” sees himself as blessed: “I’ve had the privilege of treating the sick and the honor of working with the poor.” Biblical Job said: “I was eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. I was like a father to needy people, and I took the side of strangers who were in trouble” (Job 29:15-16 NCV). So look for opportunities to show kindness to those hurting and in need.