Reach farther than the standard, simple "How are you?" Show someone you care by asking them how they really are--spiritually, mentally, physically. Don't stop until you get a true answer, and then meet them right where they're at.
Kindness is contagious!
Social media can drain us, sometimes without our even realizing it. Yet, next thing we know, we are addicted and find it easier to post a comment to a blog or message an online friend than carry on a conversation with someone who is with us in the here and now, like our parents and siblings. Today, examine the time you spend on social media: is it productive? In what ways can (and should) you change your social media habits to allow for more time in your personal relationships with God and other people? You, like me, might find that stepping away from social media for a little while can help reduce your stress and add fruitfulness to your personal interactions.
Kindness is contagious!
"Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." Philippians 4:5
Sometimes, it can be difficult to be gentle, like when a sibling is annoying you or a friend is accusing you of something you didn't do. Or maybe when you feel stressed and just want to vent off some of that pressure to those around you. This week, however, resolve to make an effort to be gentle. A kind word. A gentle touch. A whisper of encouragement. A smile. It goes a long way.
Kindness is contagious!
Nothing says "I care" like giving up your sacred spare time to do something with or for someone else. It doesn't have to be much, and it doesn't have to be long. But make it count.
Kindness is contagious!
Paul states clearly in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without grumbling or arguing." While this command is easy to remember, it can be hard to obey. So, today, recognize that you do not have to; rather, you get to. Even the hardest chores are privileges - praise God that you are healthy enough to do them and that you have siblings who can make messes for you to clean up. Do all things to the glory of God!
I’m a singer—by nature, by habit, and by choice. And I have a trick of singing random stuff whenever I am waiting for things to happen. Thus it came about that one December night, I stood on the front steps of our church and randomly sang. I can’t remember if it was solfeggio, or just a little cadence or something. It was nothing big—only a silly little tune.
Our church steps give out directly onto a busy Montréal street, and as I was at the peak of my tune, I realized a woman was walking down the sidewalk in front of me. I stopped at once in embarrassment. The woman had headphones on, and I was singing loudly.
Man, I probably just really disturbed her, I thought guilty. What will she think of me?
In the second that it took for me to think this, the lady raised her head and our eyes met. I was all ready to writhe internally, prepared for the stare or glare Montréal strangers usually hand out to each other. I never expected what came next.
She smiled.
And she called out, “You sing beautifully.”
I blushed and muttered thanks as she walked on. The whole interaction took maybe 5 seconds, but I never forgot that sweet stranger. Her kind action was over in a flash and she may have completely forgotten about it ten minutes later, but it made a world of difference to a shy, self-conscious girl. Instead of it becoming one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, it is one of my best treasured memories that warms my heart and even moves me to tears when I recall it. There’s something in the bond created by kindness between strangers that is very precious.
Be a kind stranger today.
Katja
Kindness is contagious!
Today, focus on writing a thank-you list, remembering Paul's admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Consider just how much God has blessed you and write down as many things you can think of for which you are, or should be, thankful. Praise God for these things and observe how adopting this attitude changes your whole perspective!
Kindness is contagious!
