The biblical prophet Micah famously records three things that the Lord requires of us: to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
I was thinking about that middle quality, kindness, today.
Proverbs 11:17 reminds us that “a man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”
And Paul urges his friends in Ephesus to simply “be kind to one another” (Eph. 4:32).
Genuine kindness is a wonderful human quality. We live in a world of violence and competitiveness. Violent words and actions. Competitive feelings and dealings. Kindness is hardly the most frequently experienced gesture.
But when we receive a word or act of genuine kindness, we are truly blessed and encouraged, and our spirits are lifted.
Every person on this planet deserves to be treated with kindness. Friend or enemy. Whatever their color, age, nationality, religion or gender. I am reminded of that especially as we enter the final week before Easter, and I reflect on how Jesus treated EVERY PERSON he encountered.
So here is my challenge and yours: Will you be genuinely kind today? Everyday?
