In a world where text messages and emails have replaced letters and conversation it’s been increasingly difficult to truly communicate feeling and affection. That is why the prospect of being kind is one that most people simply take for granted. The pace at which we operate has made kindness a difficult concept as well. We look past those in need and miss opportunities to do good daily. Believe me I’m not holding anyone at fault because I too have allowed life’s hurdles to consume me at times. I have an uncle who doesn’t have any children and isn’t married. As a child he would always get my sister and I any gift, toy, or candy we asked for. It was his way to show he loved us. He wasn’t much of a talker but as I got older I always made sure to visit and check on him as did my sister when we would come home from college on break. As I continued to get older I allowed the work stress and general life stress tire me and I saw my extended family less and less. I knew my grandparents, uncles, and aunts were aging but in my mind I always assumed there would be time to visit, time to see them, and time to tell them I loved them. In December of 2008 my uncle had a stroke, shortly after that, his brother who was also my godfather, passed away. I have to admit for a while that I was upset with myself. I didn’t visit either like I should have and was so consumed what was going on with myself that I didn’t check on them like I should have. Over time I found peace because I knew my uncle who passed away knew I loved and admired him a great deal and my uncle who had the stroke survived and God allowed me the opportunity to tell him what an influence he’s been on me. My goal now is to exhibit the type of kind love the mentioned in the scripture. I don’t believe being kind is a hard thing I just believe kindness is overlooked. Jesus’ kindness was seen throughout the bible. He operated with kindness and humility. It was clear to see in many stories like the woman with the issue of blood in Matthew 9 or in Matthew 8 where Jesus healed the man with leprosy he not only operated in kindness he did it with a humble goodness and no expectations of anything in return. Kindness is having a good or benevolent nature or disposition (the thinking). It’s desiring to do good to others. Goodness is moral excellence, virtue, generosity, and the activity calculated to advance kindness (the doing). It has been stated by a few published authors that”kindness is the sincere desire for the happiness of others. Goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness.” Kindness is the thinking, the thinking of others. Goodness is the doing. Simply enough we are to do good by and for one another. Our purpose in life, of course, is to glorify God. In Galatians 5:13″You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” If you go back through the bible Jesus never stopped with the kindness. He always calculated the activity required to meet the needs for the sincere happiness and joy of others. Jesus never fell short when it came to goodness. I’m committed to trying to be more sensitive to show more kindness. To help someone in need. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4). In showing kindness we show love and our capacity to love one another the way God has called us to. Be Young, Saved, and Fly… Jeff
This song is a great constant reminder of how God is truly all you need! He will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory…. I hope it blesses you. You have to love Kirk Franklin. This song is off his “Fight of My Life” album.
