We have all heard the saying, "kill them with kindness," thousands of times in our lives. It's usually said by someone who is listening to us complain about someone else who has "offended" us, and we feel that we are "right" to be angry at this person, say ugly things, and hold onto this offense and carry it around like a badge of honor. We, ourselves, have probably uttered it to someone who, in the heat of the moment, is ranting and raving about how someone did them wrong. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But WHAT IF, WHAT IF we NEVER reached the point of needing to "kill with kindness" WHAT IF we NEVER pushed another person to that point? It seems like a challenging goal to achieve, but it's not.
Kindness is free; kindness takes a moment and lasts a lifetime. The word of God tells us exactly how we are to treat others, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you." -Ephesians 4:32
In times of doubt and struggle, turn to The Lord and read His Word. His Word will change your heart from bitter to kind, change your reaction from hatred to kindness. The simple but effective thoughts listed below are grounded in the Word of God, the Bible. The Bible holds the answers to any questions or circumstances; it is the Book of Life.
Thought #1 - Pray
Where the world tells us to respond in anger, to get even, and we will be justified. The Lord tells us, "be angry, and sin not.."
-Ephesians 4:26
Our flesh wants our first thought to serve the flesh, but The Lord wants our first thought to lead us to Him, to serve Him. We were made to Worship and Honor the Lord! The first thought needs to be; let me pray about this. Let's take a look at 1 Thessalonians:
16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. This first tip should be a juicy one. It’ll keep your readers with you.
-1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 KJV
Wow! Pray without ceasing, giving all of our fears, concerns, worries, and heartbreak, giving it all to the Lord, and trusting in Him to supply all of our needs. He loves us enough to do just that! When we give it all to the Lord in prayer first and lean on Him, our attitude and heart towards others will change. He is able and will change our mindset. Prayer changes things!
Thought #2 - Forgive
The word forgive is mentioned OVER 120 times in the Bible. Forgiveness is not something you do for others but for yourself. The Lord tells us in Matthew 6:14-15, 14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Nothing is worth losing out with The Lord; forgive others because your place in eternity depends upon it. Is hatred or prejudice in your heart for something that happened years ago that, in the grand scheme of life, is not important, is it worth spending eternity in Hell? We usually don't even remember why we are mad or have ill intent towards others, but know that the flesh wants to hold on to that grudge, that sin, because it satisfies the flesh. Open your heart to forgiveness; open your heart to kindness. Serve the Lord with a glad heart!
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." -Mark 11:25
Thought #3 - Swift to Hear
How many of US have had a conversation with anyone where we didn't give the speaker the time and respect they deserved? How many of US have left a conversation with hurt feelings because we felt the other person was not paying attention and was only trying to get their point across? This happens ALL the time because the world tells us it's Okay to be self-serving and that other people need to "get over it."
Many conflicts and grudges could be prevented if both people would take the time to hear what the other person is saying. In a world that is always in a rush, slow down and HEAR. Hear what others are saying, ask questions if you don't understand, and respond kindly even when it is hard. It costs nothing to hear someone out or to be engaged in a conversation, but it could help you mend friendships, prevent misunderstandings, and so much more.
Thought #4 - Love
"But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." -Luke 6:35
LOVE people, LOVE people, LOVE people! None of us are exactly the same; even identical twins have their differences, but we are ALL humans. ALL made in the image of God. What an amazing thing to have in common!
The enemy of our soul thrives in chaos and disharmony and is looking for ways to drive hatred into our hearts to keep us from the Kingdom of Heaven. Being so in love with Jesus leaves no room in our hearts for anything but love for His people.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." -John 13:34
Kindness is the gift that costs you nothing!
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. - 1 Peter 3:9
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