Kindness

 

For the past several years, we’ve been hearing a lot of comments on “the graying of America.” According to statistics, American’s are reaching retirement age in startling numbers, and it affects everything from Social Security, to health care, to corporate retirement benefits. The discussions in the media usually center on the problems associated with older age. Believe me when I say older age presents one with new challenges and difficulties and one thing is for sure – the “golden years” and old age isn’t for sissies! Physical abilities decrease, eyesight diminishes, and memory seems to temporarily fail at the most inappropriate times. Sadly, one’s doctor list gets longer than their Christmas card list, time flies, and it seems there’s more to do every day than ever before.

It seems the only time we hear about goodness and kindness is when it’s noted in the news as something out of the ordinary. I personally would like to make a shout out to our community as being one of the friendliest, most courteous, and respectful people around. When it comes to holding a door for someone, or having a door held out of kindness, without fail there is always an exchange of “thank-you and you’re welcome” expressed which makes one want to do it repeatedly. A smile and a “Hello” or “Good Morning” from a complete stranger, or delivered to a complete stranger, can, and has, changed the attitude and outcome of one’s entire day. I just want to say thanks to those who unashamedly express a Godly love for one another in this increasingly demonic depraved world.

[Romans 12:9-21] At a murder trial, a victim’s relative said, “When I lost my brother, I lost someone who never said an unkind word to me!” I have to confess with shame that, if I were her brother, she could not have said that about me. How many of us could have somebody say that about us? Kindness is an integral part of the Christian character. It is linked strongly to our Lord and our God. The kindness of God is mentioned hundreds of times in the Old Testament. Jesus said of our Father, “…For He is kind to the unthankful and evil” (Luke 6:35-36). Paul’s deep analysis of love tells us, “Love suffers long and is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4). And again, Paul reminds us to be, “…kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate)…” (Ephesians 4:32). Paul warned Timothy that the Lord’s servant must be, “…kind to everyone …not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24). He instructed Titus to tell the older women to teach the younger women to, “…be kind so that no one will malign the Word of God” (Titus 2:5). I wish I could take back every unkind word I have spoken in this life. What about you? We can’t do that, but we can change our present attitude to become a people of respect. Therefore, be Godly in attitude toward one another; Be kind and respectful if you expect to receive kindness and be respected.

One winter morning the old preacher brought out a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of glass, crystal, and plain-looking cheap cups. When those present all had a share of hot chocolate in their hand, the preacher said, “Notice that all the nice-looking, expensive vessels have been taken and used, but not the plain and cheap ones. What each of you really wanted was the chocolate, not the vessel, but each subconsciously went for the best vessel.” Consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money, and position in society are the vessels. They are just tools to hold and contain life. Sometimes, by only concentrating on the vessel, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate. Individuals choose the vessel. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate - every day!