KINDNESS

“Do to others whatever

you would like them to do to you.

This is the essence of all that is taught

in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NLT
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Recently, Brian Williams on NBC Nightly News has been closing his broadcast with a story entitled “Making a Difference” which deals with people showing kindness to others. It’s a refreshing break from all the cruelty and bad stuff that fills the rest of the news. I recently noticed a Liberty Mutual ad on TV which was entirely made up of multiple scenes - one right after another - of small deeds of kindnesses. This sort of thing catches people’s attention everywhere. Who doesn’t appreciate being treated kindly?

All of us know how pleasant it is when someone shows kindness to us. Stands-to-reason, others have the same reaction. Jesus said “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone was kind – all the time? Well, that isn’t going to happen in this present world! However, you and I can start making a difference. Psalm 145:17 says “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.” As His children we have the capacity to be like our Father. And kindness is also a fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in us when we are filled with Him. Galatians 5:22

God has made every provision for us to be kind to everyone. We can start today to be more consistently kind to all the people in our lives – at home – neighborhood – at work, etc. I have a feeling if we are more consistently kind at home, (even when we feel grumpy) it will be easier to be kind everywhere else.

Let’s Pray –
Father, forgive us when we are snippy with those who are closest to us. Help us to treat everyone the way we would like to be treated.
Amen