Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
A GOOD NAME ~
Not only will you win favor with God, but you have a good name with him and humans.
Proverbs 3 New International Version (NIV)
Wisdom Bestows Well-Being
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
KIND ~
A helpful and considerate nature can be described as kind.
When asked to count blessings of life, we can search our minds to that moment when someone did a kind act. Yesterday, I had someone pay to get my hair done. Then a kind act of helping me surprise my daughter with a gift and someone stopped by my house to deliver a Thanksgiving Pie! There was three acts of kindness in one day and I felt so loved.
Take a moment and think about an act of kindness in your life? Isn't it great to receive a blessing? Loving each other unconditionally and showing the love of God. People don't always see kindness or live in a peaceful home. I remember being a kid and wanting kindness in my life. My fourth grade teacher spoke words that made the class laugh and I was teased after that. I couldn't spell some words and that teacher pointed that out. Not only that, but I tried out for a special event where you needed to sing. The teacher of that, told me to never sing again. What? Who tells a little kid that and she said go home. I was so broken and I was once again laughed at in fourth grade. This took place over 50 years ago. Crazy how one teacher's words stuck. I knew without a doubt I wasn't smart, I couldn't read good and never to sing.
YEARS PASTED BY ~
I began to see myself different in middle school and began to speak words of life to myself. My confidence came up and kids started liking me in school. I still would not volunteer to read out in class, but it was the beginning of a new me. Teachers in middle school was nice and their acts of kindness meant a lot to me. I wrote a short story and my teacher said positive words. She told me that I was a good writer. I also built friendships that year.
I have taught kids ministry at churches for years and even women's ministry. I find that being kind brings us new friends. I am brave now and not afraid to meet new people. It took years, but as a kid, I promise myself that I would grow up to show kindness and to teach it. I know I do that and I am happy with who I am today in God. Yet, remember my story as a kid, I still fight those words of that fourth grade teacher but I get over it so much faster. We can't help what pops into our minds, but we can help how much we dwell on it.
When Jesus came into my life, it began another change for me. I purpose time every morning to write you and pray for you. I know that one day brings change and some change is just hard. In those hard times, remember you are loved by God and others. Look into a mirror and like the person who looks back at you. There is only one you and you need to be kind to yourself too.
Being kind is my only option and doing the right thing. I hope you do the same and walk in confidence in who you are. My prayers continue for you, your family and friends. Be kind...
~ Sparkie