Thursday, January 15, 2015

Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness






kind·ness
ˈkīn(d)nəs/
noun
  1. the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
    synonyms:kindliness, kindheartedness, warmheartedness, affection, warmth,gentleness,
    concern, care
    • a kind act.
      plural noun: kindnesses
      "it is a kindness I shall never forget"


I can count the many times I've gone to a fast food restaurant where the cashier has been unpleasant. Instead of responding negatively I kill their attitude with kindness; nine times out of ten that person's reaction is a positive one, sometimes I even see a smile. 

We all have bad days, we all go through difficult circumstances and though we try not to let it, it can affect us at our work. Perhaps the gentleman at the drive- thru window received a phone call five minutes before attending you and was informed that he has cancer, or it maybe that the young lady at the coffee shop who served you, has her baby girl  in the hospital and is unable to be with her because she's a single mom and can't afford to lose her job. If we put our thoughts and emotions to the side and consider for a moment, what that person is feeling we are more likely to treat that person with kindness than react negatively towards their actions. 

We all know that famous bible quote:

"Do to others as you would like them to do to you."  -Luke 6:31



If we are unkind and cruel we will be treated as such, but if we treat others generously, graciously and compassionately, these qualities will come back to us in full measure.

Let us teach our children kindness by leading by example; clothing yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

Prayers for Kindness

May ____________ be kind and tenderhearted to others, forgiving, just as Christ forgave him. (Ephesians 4:32)

May ____________, your servant, not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach patiently enduring evil.  (2 Timothy 2: 24)

Let ___________'s speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that he may know how he ought to answer each person(Colossians 4:6)
May ___________ live in harmony with others; may he be sympathetic, show brotherly love and be humble. (1 Peter 3:8)



"Kind words are like honey- 
sweet to the soul and healthy to the body."
-Proverbs 16:24



Love your kids on purpose!


Sarah 
Mom After God




No comments:

Post a Comment