PRACTICE BEING KIND

We live is such a harsh society. So many people are so uptight and seemingly will go off at any moment. I try not to listen to the news as it is so depressing. They recite and regurgitate one tragedy after another.  Paranoia has so many paralyzed by fear and hopelessness. 


We should live in such a way that others love to be around us. I was walking into the post office in our town and a lady with an arm load of packages was also trying to enter.  She could barely see her way. A young man cut in front of her and did not even hold the door open. A man commented, "Stupid kid." I replied, "No, poor parenting."

In this blog, I want to encourage you to turn the tides in your sphere of influence. You become the sunshine in someone's rainy day. You become the marshmallow in someone's hot chocolate or the cotton candy in someone's pity-party.  On every life you touch, you should  leave an indelible fingerprint of peace and happiness.  It really is not that difficult to be kind and respectful. We should be life-givers, encouragers, motivators and, most of all, examples of Jesus in real life.

Hebrews 3:13

But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

The word "exhort" comes from the Greek word, parakaleo.

Para:  alongside

Kaleo:  to call, to invite, to speak, or to beckon

When these two words are connected, they paint a picture of someone who comes closely alongside of another person for the sake of speaking to him, consoling him, comforting him, or assisting him with instruction, counsel, or advice.

I am convinced that we can change our world with one smile at a time, a kind word,  and words of appreciation. Let's get back to old-fashioned courtesy, thankfulness, and gratitude. I am convinced that chivalry is not dead, just misplaced. If we were not so absorbed with ourselves, we would have time to consider others.  Just try saying thank you, you're welcome, please, excuse me, I'm sorry and, most of all, I love you and I forgive you.

Prayer:

Lord, I want to be a major source of blessing to people in my life! Help me to quit being so absorbed and fixated on myself and instead see how I can become strength and encouragement to others who are around me. Your Word commands me to be involved in giving daily encouragement. Since I am seriously committed to obeying Your Word, I intend, with Your help, to find a way to encourage someone who needs strength every day!

I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Humbly loving you,
Bishop Gabe


Image from stockfreeimages here.