Show Kindness

Have you ever read something in the Bible and felt like God was directly speaking to you? Raises hand! This happened to me recently. In my daily devotion, I've been studying the life of David. God has deposited nuggets about waiting and having a heart after Him (My hope is that I can share them with you some day). On this particular day, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to read Proverbs. Since I’ve read this chapter many times, I figured it would be an easy read. Here’s what stood out of this passage to me.

The first four verses are so easy to overlook as many quickly quote verses five and six. These few verses focus on kindness. It instructs us to ALWAYS be kind and loyal. After reading this, I immediately felt convicted. Earlier that day, I had done some unkind things at work. I let circumstances and other people’s actions affect my mood and ultimately how I treated others. God had already been convicting of my actions during the day. Then, I open my Bible and there it is again…be kind! Okay God… I hear you loud and clear. But, let’s face it. Being kind is not always easy. Sometimes our flesh wants to react in sinful ways instead of extending love. The Bible says that we are to do the opposite. How can we show kindness?

In the Bible, it says we are to “tie them around your neck” and “write them deep within your heart”. Another verse says that we are to “clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness”. Let’s think about this in a practical sense. Every day, we must put on clothes or jewelry. It’s not a once and done activity. To write something deep on your heart alludes to having a truth that is not easily taken away. It’s being so saturated with kindness that you can’t help but spill it out. So, where do we get this kindness from? The Bible says that the Holy Spirit produces this fruit in us. As we spend time praying in tongues and reading God’s word, the flesh begins to decrease. In turn, we will see an increase of the fruit of kindness in our lives.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying: “People may not remember what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.” It is kindness and loyalty that will gain you favor with God and man. As Christians, part of our testimony includes how we treat those around us. Did we smile at the cashier? Do we speak to our neighbors? Do we treat our coworkers with respect? At the end of the day, it takes more effort to be rude than it does to be kind. Let’s look for ways to be kind today!

Be encouraged! 😊

Scripture References: Proverbs 3: 3-4 (NLT) “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”

Colossians 3:12 (NLT) “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”