From; Brenda Walsh Ministries
Kindness Is Beautiful
Have you ever noticed that people who lived their life being kind to others have the largest attended funerals? The eulogies are usually quite lengthy, with one person after another expressing loving, heartfelt sentiments. The memory of the kindness displayed by the deceased remains long after their life is over. Kindness is a beautiful thing. This world would be a much better place if people performed more acts of kindness instead of acts of aggression. You may not realize it, but your actions say more about you than the words you speak. It’s easy to spot a true follower of Christ because they are kind, just like Him. Too many people are out for number one, only thinking of themselves. It would be so much better if people followed these simple rules: 1) Before you assume - learn the facts. 2) Before you judge - understand why. 3) Before you hurt someone - feel. 4) Before you speak - think. No one is happy spending time with a selfish person, and selfish people are never happy. Selfishness is really “self-idolatry,” and there is no place for it in the life of a Christian. When you are solely focused on your own problems, you become numb to the suffering of others, and instead of a heart like Jesus filled with compassion, you are cold and indifferent. Human tendency is to be selfish, and the only way to overcome and live a “selfless” life is to be washed by the blood of Jesus, dying to self daily. We’re told in 1 Corinthians 15:31, “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” And in Ephesians 4:32, God commands His children, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ask God to give you a clean heart and to fill it to overflowing with His love for others. Make an effort to be kind, even if you don’t “feel like it.” Writer Dave Willis once said, “Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” Smile at a stranger, let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line, or buy lunch for a homeless person, and you’ll feel so good, you’ll want to keep the love flowing. The more you allow God to use you to bless others, the more blessings you’ll receive as well. Kindness really is . . . beautiful! Text: Galatians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:13, Luke 6:31, Proverbs 16:23-24