Kindness is a choice. Will you choose it?

Kindness is a choice. Will you choose it?

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2–3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You can hear nothing but encouragement, yet it is the harsh words that replay over and over in your head.

You can receive nothing but affirmation, and still doubt.

You can feel uplifted by many, and quickly pulled down by one.

Words: They are powerful. They have the power to uplift someone or tear them down. The sad thing is, with as powerful as our words are, we use them quickly and rashly, and sometimes without much forethought.

We live in a reactive culture. If something upsets us, we must make our voice known. If we disagree, we start a Facebook comment war. We passionately fight battles hiding behind screens, while seemingly, making no real change at all.

We are constantly reacting to what life throws at us. Maybe we can live intentionally instead of reactively.

Maybe someone is hurting and needs to hear an encouraging word today. Let’s be quicker to encourage and faster to love. The world has enough negativity; We don’t need it from each other.

“Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s start the conversation. What are some great ways to encourage one another?

Today, I intentionally choose… to be kind.

Today, I intentionally choose… to make a difference.

Today, I intentionally choose… to build someone up.

Today, I intentionally choose… to not let my emotions dictate my response.

Today, I intentionally choose… to show grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

Grab a coffee together. Send that encouragement note. Make that phone call. Whatever it is… go do it!

We are the light in a dark and broken world, and the more we reflect our Savior, the brighter that light shines.

When you extend grace where it is undeserved… your light shines.

When you love someone who is difficult to love… your light shines.

When you are kind to someone you disagree with… your light shines.

And when your light shines… people can’t help but notice it.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain
“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9–11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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