Most people are not drawn to Jesus because of an advertising campaign, a sign along the road, or a steeple in the skyline. Most people are drawn to Christ through cords of kindness formed in relationships with other people. So I am asking you this question: Are you kind?
There is nothing like a trip out of state to see how quick culture effects people and their responses in customer service. I remember one of us saying in a restaurant, "Dorothy, we aren't in Texas anymore!"
What is kindness? Is it optional? It is after all one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Kindness is a benevolent and helpful action intentionally directed towards another person, it is motivated by the desire to help another and not to gain reward or to avoid punishment.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.” Luke 6:35, NLT
Being unkind is actually a rejection of God because He is all about love. So when you are not loving and unkind to someone you are putting yourself first. You are telling the person that they do not matter and are not worth your time and effort.
While kindness is natural to most, we cannot be what we are called to be unless we are relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit. Abundant and over-flowing kindness in the Christian is the outworking of God’s Spirit within. It is the proof in the pudding!
True kindness points others not to ourselves...but to Jesus!
Adjust that Crown,
Jonna
