1/21/13

Here is a practical challenge for the week ahead from I Peter 3:9, “Be a blessing [to others], because to this you were called, so that you may inherit a blessing [from God].”   The prophet Micah simplifies it even more in Micah 6:8. “What does the Lord require of you…. to love kindness.”  Could language be any clearer?  Here are ten kindnesses we should work on every day, and teach our children and grandchildren.  After all, if they do not learn kindness from us, where are they going to learn it?

1.  Go out of your way to speak to people.  [Pr 16:24]
2.  Try to remember their names – it shows that you value them.
3.  Smile; it increases your ‘face value.’
4.  Be friendly and helpful.  If you do, people will return it.  [Pr 18:24]
5.  Show genuine interest.  You can find something good in almost anybody, if you try.  [Php 4:8]
6.  Be generous with your praise and cautious with your criticism.
7.  Be slow to judge.  There are three sides to every story – your side, their side, and the right side.
8.  Instead of ‘using’ others, serve them. [Gal 5:13]
9.  Try to trust people – it builds lasting relationships.
10. Be humble.

Our Christian kindness does two things: 1] It makes people think more of our Father in Heaven.  Jesus said, “Live so that [people] will…. praise your Father.  [Mt 5:16] 2] Your own kindness determines the extent to which you will be blessed.  “Be a blessing…. so that you may inherit a blessing.”  [I Pt 3:9]

Pray with me…. Father, may we remember the law of the harvest this week.  What we sow, we will reap…. especially when it comes to kindness.  In the name of our gracious Lord Jesus, amen.

Blessings,
Pastor Ken