Often, some of our fondest memories are when others have shown us kindness.
In the Bible we find many scriptures relating to kindness. Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 32: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Proverbs 31v26: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.
Kindness is not just a feeling but an action and a way of living. Kindness is doing the things that may go without acknowledgement and thanks.
Kindness is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of age, race or religion.
Kindness is important for many reasons; it boosts your sense of satisfaction, your happiness and wellbeing, contributing to your mental and physical health while being a blessing to others.
Kindness fosters social connections, enhances relationships and builds community bonds.
What are some ways we may demonstrate kindness today?
1) Text someone good morning
2) Send a letter to a friend or family member in the mail
3) Donate to a local charity
4) Pick up the rubbish someone else has dropped
5) Compliment the person who serves you at the local supermarket
6) Offer to give a helping hand to someone in need
7) Be hospitable to others
8) Remembering to thank others who have shown kindness to you
9) Take time to listen when others are talking to you
10) Smile to those who pass you in the street.
Sometimes kindness requires us to be brave, one of the bravest things we can do is to stand up for someone who is being treated wrong.
Kindness is sometimes listening to the little voice in your head that is saying: That’s not right! You should do something!
And then putting action to the prompting, and defending the person who is being treated poorly.
Stand up with kindness, sometimes kindness requires us to be firm and strong and say what they are doing is wrong.
Kindness understands we are all human, and we can help make change, we can also offer forgiveness to the offender, while being clear that there is an expectation that the offender will behave better in the future.
Kindness is not always easy, but is the right thing to do.
May we all encourage each other to show kindness every day of our lives.
Karen Lee Mills
New Life Baptist Church
21°C