READ: Proverbs 11:16-17, 12:10, 14:29-30, 15:18, 16:32, 17:27, 25:28, 28:8
Our world often
loves stories of kindness, but individuals
rarely value it as a way to approach life. It’s kind of ironic – we can cry
over a YouTube video showing unusual kindness, but disregard such an approach
in relating to others – especially to those who we feel don’t deserve it.
However, Proverbs causes us to consider the reality that kindness is our wisest
choice.
Why is kindness
wise? Because kindness has a way of returning to us. “A man who is kind
benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself” (11:17). Proverbs goes even as
far to command us to treat animals with kindness. Kindness, we can say, bounces
back to us. Even someone who desires to harm us can experience strong
conviction when we refuse to return insult with insult. Many times people doubt
this reality because they haven’t tried it!
Of course, kindness
tends not to reign when we lose control over our emotions and thought life. In
fact, the opposite happens. We start to destroy people. As Proverbs states, “a
hot-tempered man sirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention”
(15:18). Look at the choice we can make! Relational conflicts, even war, often
hinge on the choice between kindness or losing control.
It is up to us to
remain under control and to ask the Holy Spirit for help. We do have a measure
of choice in this, as Proverbs speaks of the one, “who rules his spirit”. Let’s
commit to lives that are beautiful and story-worth, rather than the way of the
world.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Spend
some time asking God to give you words, thoughts, pictures and stories that
demonstrate His kindness. Praise Him for His everlasting kindness!
2.
Examine
the different areas of your life – marriage, parenting, work, extended family,
ministry, friendships. What do you demonstrate – kindness or a lack of
self-control? Ask God to reveal truth to you. And ask Him to fill you with His
Spirit, as the fruit of His Work includes kindness and self-control.
