Sunday, June 16, 2013

Give a Little Kindness





 
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” (Mother Teresa)

Being kind and good to others brings happiness which is contagious, causing others to be happy! One of the surest signs of our strength is kindness, because it shows that we are confident and self-assured. Galatians 6:10 says, therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Being thoughtful and gracious to those that cross our path daily is a way of living that keeps giving long after the kind thoughts, words, and actions have taken place. Acting with kindness is a wonderful idea, but often it gets overlooked in the business of our lives, and/or we become too comfortable with one another to offer words of kind-heartedness and compassion. However, just one small act of kindness, or words of comfort and thoughtfulness, can not only change our day for the better, but it can also end up having a remarkable impact on those around us! When we give away our kindness to someone it’s not gone---it’s invested!

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” (Princess Diana)

With an attitude of generosity, our experience of life will rise and soar to a higher level of richness and blessing. It’s so important to maintain an optimistic attitude to ensure that our acts of kindness are sincere and committed with genuine joy and cheerfulness rather than out of a sense of duty. We shouldn’t ask for anything in return because the greatest kindness expects nothing and comes with no strings attached. When we give without wanting anything in return it opens our hearts to a greater sense of peace, love, and joy. There are always opportunities to help those who can never pay us back, but compassion has a greater reward than any payback ever could! We should seek the honor that comes from God instead of wanting our egos massaged by the praise of other people.

 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

We live in a world where everything we do makes a difference, and when we are kind it affects more than just the person in front of us. We don’t have to do something big and recognizable to make a difference and we won’t necessarily change someone’s life with our acts of kindness, but smiles, thoughtful words, and encouragement do make a difference and can have a ripple effect even if we don’t see it.  It only takes a small effort to give a little kindness, and the joy we send out never leaves us. Instead it carries us along and multiplies itself again and again until it starts to make a big difference. We don’t need to look very far to find someone who deserves and appreciates kindness when we consider all the people that cross our paths each and every day. And even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s day; the tiniest act of kindness may be a blessing that they will always remember!


“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

Linking up this week with: 

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Beauty in His Grip Button

22 comments:

  1. Encouraging word Denise. Kindness comes hard at times for me. Especially when I do not feel good about myself. Thank you dear for sharing. Blessings.

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    1. I agree my friend; it's much easier when we are feeling the fruit of the spirit, which comes from a good and loving feeling inside. You are on the verge of a remarkable breakthrough Grace! Blessings!

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  2. Well said, Denise. This hint to being kind and generous is so necessary in the cold, hard world.

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    1. Yes it is; needed more than ever! Thanks Jedidja-blessings!

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  3. Great post Denise. Out of duty (external) we do, but out of the heart (internal) we are. Some time ago, the "Random Acts of Kindness" movement became very popular and that was good because it brought an awareness of what was being taken for granted and missed in our society. Kindness is a "fruit of the Spirit" flowing out of the essential attribute of Creator God that is written upon the heart of the Child of God. But the "fruit of the Spirit", which includes "kindness" is in the fifth chapter of Galatians in the Bible, where we read that the desires of the sinful flesh are contrary to the Spirit, so we need to guard our hearts and walk in the Spirit. I believe that God's standards, which produce duties are good, in that they set the line or bar for us and identify the light from the dark, so we recognize them and align our will with the Spirit as we learn, grow and mature in Christ-likeness sanctification. It makes sense to me that God sent Jesus for me salvation out of the "kindness" that flowed out of His grace from His Mercy and Love, so why wouldn't I do the same. The Parable of the "unmerciful servant" in Matthew 18:21-35 comes to mind. 1 John 4:19 says: "We love, because He first loved us." and with the supernatural love of God we can "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength and love your neighbor as yourself.' as Christ said in Mark 12:30-31. Meaning a work of Father God is necessary in our life to write His ways upon our heart and make them "natural" ours. He showed me, taught and instilled (and continues to instill) in me what "kindness" truly is. Jeremiah 31:33 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Then, I can don't have to say, "be kind and show kindness" to myself, because I am kind and show kindness, as all "the fruit of the Spirit" naturally flows out of my heart to God and others. Me, because of Christ in me. Does that make sense? Blessings to you sister in Christ, in the family of believers.

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    1. Oh; thanks Brian! I love what you said here, and yes we can show true and authentic kindness because of the love He has blended and put into our hearts! We are blessed! :) Blessings to you too dear brother!

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  4. I think often of the kindness of the Lord towards me, how in His kindness He rescued me; in His kindness He gives me a hope and a future. I want to show others Jesus through my acts of kindness towards them. Beautiful post!

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    1. Thanks Barbie; our acts of kindness are a beautiful reflection of who we are inside! Blessings my friend!

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  5. Dear Denise,

    Wow...this is a great post. I'm sure all of us can recall kindness demonstrated to us on a difficult day or when we least deserved it. It can change your day and even impact your life for good.

    This a great reminded.

    I wonder why it's easier to be kind to strangers than family and friends. But how much more necessary with those closest to us.

    Thanks for challenging and encouraging me.

    Lord bless...Susan

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    1. So true; we are often out of "energy" to show the same kindness to our families. But our homes and our families are a place where our language should be full of wisdom and kindness, support and praise! Blessings sister!

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  6. Kindness is one of those things that always seems to reap unbelievable fruit. Thank you for the reminder. I am glad that I visited from Sharing His Beauty :)
    Blessings,
    Joanne

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    1. Indeed; it is always a good reminder for us all! :) Thanks for stopping by~blessings!

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  7. Denise, your post are always so refreshing and inspiration - make-me-feel-good. I love to show kindness. It's so contagious. Thank you. And I like the quote by Mother Teresa.

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    1. Hi Peaches; so good to hear from you! :) I feel like it is so contagious too; so uplifting! Thanks for your comment~blessings friend!

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  8. I love your work- designs with hearts and words really appeal to me- happy to get your posts, every time :)

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    1. Thanks Mary; happy to have you visit! :) Blessings and love for a week of joy!

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  9. Such wonderful and needed reminders. "The tiniest act of kindness may be a blessing that they will always remember!" I always say how just a smile can change someones day.
    Happy to find my way here through Tracy's link-up.
    Blessings to you.
    Beth

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  10. Hi Denise,
    I have been on the receiving end of kindness at times when I was down and it lifted my spirits. Then when I am on the giving end of kindness, I always experience an awesome blessing in doing so. Awesome post and may God bless you,
    Ken

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  11. So true! Just today I was sharing with my Mom about the "Starbuck's game" that occurs sometimes. You know, the one where someone going through the drive through pays for the coffee for the person behind them in line? I know this isn't a truly "deep" example, but when that happened to me the other day, it put such a smile on my face and changed my outlook on the day and it was just the simple act of a stranger paying for my coffee. Then, when I paid for the person's coffee behind me, I felt doubly encouraged! It's all about giving of ourselves and not expecting anything in return. That concept (and advice from God!) is wonderful!

    Blessings to you, Denise!

    In Him, Joan

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  12. I'm working on a kindness project so I read this post with interest. Then, in my reading became challenged to fulfill God's command to clothe myself in kindness. So beautifully written and I love the graphics, too.

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  13. Hi Denise...love the quote..and the message is something I totally believe in. We never know how much just a bit of kindness can have in someone's life.

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  14. Such a wonderful and refreshing post my friend! Yes, it is contagious isn't it!! It pains me to see Believers who don't show this very important character trait. Believers SHOULD BE the most endearing, sweetest and loving people on the earth! Thanks for sharing Denise and thanks for linking up!! Have a blessed evening!

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