This post is the second part of this ‘kindness’ topic. In Part 1, it was Double Trouble as I know that I pass up opportunities to be kind and assist others. I see them and feel bad for them, but then I pass right by and feel guilty! However, I think I’ve discovered some steps I can take to perhaps display kindness more often. I hope you find these helpful to you in your quest to be kind to others.
Would you agree that God has been extravagantly kind to us? He blesses us each day, provides for us, protects us…..we could go on and on. He sent His Son to suffer for us and to provide for our salvation. When you are kind to another person, it generally brings you joy. God is pleased when He sees us being kind to another. We are to put our faith into action, therefore isn’t kindness an act of worship?
How do we start? Open your eyes so you can be sensitive to the needs of others. There is a great example available on Youtube that demonstrates our need to see more around us. It’s about 4 minutes in length, but worth a little of your time: https://youtu.be/OeFLcypu8_U. This video also demonstrates how our ‘hurry up pace’ deters kindness. Didn’t you see that over and over again? So, two questions then come from our first step (open your eyes). First, who do you pass on a regular basis that is perhaps difficult to notice? Is it someone at the gym when you are working out, or a kid always by himself/herself in the neighborhood? Second, what can you do to slow down and more easily see people that may need you?
Next, we have to learn to be a good listener. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:2 “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Sometimes those burdens are not always real evident, but as we become better listeners we will pick up on this and as a result be more sympathetic. If you have had any active listening training, you know that you have to resist talking too much. We have to ask why is it sometimes difficult to listen instead of talking with someone who is in pain? We’ve got to feel the other person's emotions if we are truly going to share their burdens.
I believe you have to be willing to take a risk. Yes, that means you will be interrupted, and you will have to get out of your comfort zone. What if God intentionally put someone in your path that He expects you to take care of? Pastor Rick Warren said, “We’ll never learn how to truly show kindness until we move past our fears and extend God’s love to people who are hurting.” Why don’t you start by asking God to give you ‘spiritual radar’ so you can identify those people who are hurting physically, spiritually and emotionally that are around you?
Finally, determine that although kindness will cost you something (time, money, energy, reputation), it will be worth it. God blesses kindness. Isaiah 58:10-11 (NLT) puts it this way: “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” God tells us that He will meet our needs if we assume responsibility for needs of hurting people!
I hope you will think about ‘kindness’. The Boy Scouts have it right: A Scout is KIND. A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated. He does not hurt or kill harmless things without reason.
"His faithful love endures forever."
Until next time...
Chaplain Gray
