Random acts of kindness have been popularized lately with such movies as “Pay it Forward.” Some insurance companies have caught on the trend, but acts of kindness are the very nature of God. We are created in God's image, we posses this wonderful trait, even if we don't exhibit it in its original form.
We may not consider kindness a trait of love, but it is defined as: friendly, gentle; warm-hearted nature; exhibiting sympathy and generosity. Being patterned after God, whose very nature is kindness.
Kindness is a special power, even those who feel powerless possess this great power. With one word or action, we have an enormous amount influence on another person.
Working with the general public, I have seen this power in action. If I have encountered a person whose countenance is weary or angered, a smile or gentleness can improve their attitude. I have the power to change the course of their day. We all have that power if we chose to use it.
I've felt a special sense of joy whenever I've helped defuse anger in someone's life, or gotten out of myself to come to their aid, doing the unexpected. Kindness is a form of humility.
Proverbs say “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).
It only takes a smile, wink or sometimes a friendly word to stop fury in its path. It just takes a moment of my time to notice someone's plight. On the other hand, we also have the power to ruin someone's day by an uncaring word or action.
If I encounter someone who is in a nasty mood, it can effect my mood as well. I can be enjoying a wonderful day and encounter a clerk who hates their job, as if daggers were thrown my way, I feel provoked.
“People with hate in their hearts may sound pleasant enough, but don't believe them. Though they pretend to be kind, their hearts are full of all kinds of evil” (Proverbs 26:24-25 NLT)
In those times is when I need to use wisdom and respond with kindness, not paying unkindness with unkindness.
We can show this love in a number of ways and have numerous opportunities everyday to everyone we encounter. Taking note of another's disposition can greatly effect the outcome of events.
When we respond to situations with kindness, we show that we are truly children of God. (Matthew 5:43-48)
Copyright©2011 – tathorpe- All Rights Reserved-
1 comment:
Well put. A good reminder when we are in one "of those moods" ourselves. As the old saying goes, always be gracious and generous. You never know when you might be entertaining angles. And besides, as you so aptly wrote, it is the right, Christian, Godly thing to do.
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