Thursday, April 2, 2015

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Kindness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Kindness                                                                                 Day 64

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38

In the movie Pay It Forward, a young boy creates a national phenomenon with a simple idea - do kindness to others without expectation of something in return, and eventually, it could come back to bless you. Instead of blindly paying it forward with kindness, today, many believers and non-believers prefer to withhold their kindness until there is certainty that there will be reciprocity.

When it comes to kindness, it is not necessary that we have material wealth to share. We may be accustomed to associating scriptures about giving in reference to tithes and offerings. There are, however, more ways that we all are able to give other than financially. When we possess so much kindness that it overflows when shared, we give as Christ tells us to give.

Let us focus on making an investment of kindness. A return on this type of investment is promised. The return may not be immediate or when we first desire it, but God is never late. Let us be mindful that active kindness is a resource we all have. Whether it be our time, knowledge, food, patience, experiences, etc., let us use the resources we have and “pay it forward.”


See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Monday, March 30, 2015

Kindness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Kindness                                                                                 Day 63

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.
Luke 10:33

Living by the Spirit and being kind are not qualities that will be noticed at first sight. Kindness is a fruit that is revealed in our actions. A kind heart actively shows kindness without reservation or hesitation. Whereas patience is responsive, kindness is not passive or awaiting an invitation. Kindness takes initiative. The parable of “The Good Samaritan” exemplifies such initiative.

The priest and Levite both crossed the street when they saw a man in need. Their actions moved them away from showing kindness. Had they known the man’s full background, perhaps they would have stopped to help. However, it was the “kind” Samaritan who showed initiative and stepped into action. He acted without concern for who would be the recipient of his kindness. He did not know the story of the man in need. He simply acted.

Let us not be conservative, but liberal in our loving kindness. Let us be like the Samaritan who had compassion at first sight. He did not dwell on lessons passed down through generations. He simply saw someone in need and acted with compassion. Let us work to have hearts of kindness that seek opportunities to serve, no matter the recipient.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Kindness (The Fruit of the Spirit in You)

Kindness                                                                                Day 62

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

So many people have become familiar with “The Golden Rule” that some do not attribute it to being one of Christ’s teachings. Now, some even use a twisted version of this lesson as an excuse to treat others harshly and to have a defensive mindset. They offer, “I will treat others badly if they cross me because I would expect the same in return.”

For us to follow Jesus’ teachings, we must do more than just go through the motions of kindness. We must move beyond simply performing one individual kind act and waiting for the right time to perform another. We should move toward having an ongoing attitude of kindness. Charitable donations and being courteous are ways of showing kindness. Our hearts, however, may reveal whether our motivations were to show a spirit of kindness, to make impressions on others, or only to receive for a tax deduction.

Are your thoughts toward others thoughts of kindness or self-promotion? Do you have a pure heart of kindness, or are you simply displaying well-trained public behaviors? Do you manifest the pure kindness of the Spirit in your thoughts and actions? If so, there will be fruit. Let us seek pure hearts that reveal the attitude we want others to have with us.

See more at www.thefruitinyou.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2015