Daily Dose 3-18-11

Proverbs 11:16-17 A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

Is kindness becoming a rare character trait? It seems our society can be so focused on the “looking out for number one” syndrome, that we don’t think to be kind. We are so programmed to programs that kindness had to be set aside as a special occasion when someone developed Random Acts of Kindness Day. It was a great idea and an attempt to regain focus on a perspective that has become blurred. Maybe the true challenge is time. Kindness is not found in a hurried pace, frantic schedule. It’s generally the stress of getting where we need to be for the next errand or activity that sends kindness flying out the window. The other challenge to kindness is unkind people. When treated unkindly, our natural instinct is to be defensive and lash back. A walk with Christ demands a different response – one that may lead the unkind to Him or a deeper relationship with him. When people respond in hurtful, unkind ways, put on the glasses of your Jesus eyes. Look at that person and try to see what they are going through that is the reason for their actions. Be Jesus to them! When presented an attitude choice today, choose kindness!

Kind and Just Father, Thank You for Your kindness to me, especially in the times I deserved Your wrath and judgment instead. Forgive me for when I have responded defensively or full of pride instead of how you would want me to respond. Help me find the kindness option in circumstances and choose it. I love You. Amen