Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. ~Proverbs 14:31
Here's a riddle for you. What costs you nothing to give, yet makes you richer in the giving? The answer? Kindness!
In my comings and goings, no matter where I find myself, I try to be aware of the demeanor of the people around me. What expressions do their faces display? Do they seem worried, preoccupied, frustrated, detached? Armed with a smile, I will try to make eye-contact. It's amazing how quickly an unexpected smile will be flashed in return.
Many times, too, when the situation seems appropriate, I'll actually speak my kindness aloud. For example, earlier this year, Danny and I are dining out and I spot a young couple with a toddler who has the most stunning eyes and excellent table manners to match. I approach them and offer my sincere compliments regarding their child's behavior. Their thank-yous and sweet smiles are the only reward I could ever want or need.
I'm willing to wager that all of you who regularly visit my blog practice random acts of kindness in your daily lives as much as you possibly can. I can tell not only from the encouragement you give me in your comments, but also from the content of your varied and meaningful blogs. So many of you highlight kindness in words and in the photos you share. I hope you know, dear friends, that you are making this world a better place with every post you pen.
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. And we know as believers that the source of these virtues does not have its origin in sinful humanity, but comes from God through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are only able to nurture these fruits horizontally if first we seek the vertical: a living relationship with the Lord.
As Solomon states, when we are kind to the needy (and I would argue that we are ALL needy), we are honoring God. To do otherwise is to pose the lie that we don't need our heavenly Father every single moment of every single day.
When we intentionally practice kindness toward others, we are doing our part, no matter how small, to bring God's kingdom to fruition here on earth.
And sometimes, all it takes is a smile.
Amen!
Dear Martha, this is such a lovely and inspiring ❤️ post. A kind word or action can make a person's day more enjoyable...and even a smile can brighten someone's 😊 day and make them feel loved, appreciated or simply noticed. I remember Glen Campbell's song 🎵 well, I have hummed or sung it to myself many times. The Proverbs verse is so true. Thank you so much for sharing, dear friend. God bless you 🙏
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda, for your most kind comment here today. We all need to feel acknowledged and affirmed, and sometimes a sincere smile is all that's required to make someone's day.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
What a wonderful post. One of your best, Martha; with good advice. I liked the song too - extra bonus. Many thanx.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
When I was growing up, Glen Campbell was one of my favorites, Victor, and I'm so glad I was able to post the video for everyone. I'm especially glad that this post spoke to your heart, my friend.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I also keep my eyes peeled to see who I might give a "lift" to. There are so many walking around with 100 pound weights on their shoulders and you can see it in their face or demeanor. If I can give someone a lift by giving a smile or offering to help in some way, I will do it. 3 Dog Night also sang a song called "Try a Little Tenderness." Might be the same one you have posted. Have a blessed day Martha!
ReplyDeleteKnowing you, Bill, I'm not surprised at all that you take the time to notice others and offer to help whenever possible. We can never underestimate the power a simple smile has to brighten someone's day. And I do remember that song by Three Dog Night. I guess that dates us - LOL!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Sometimes, simply telling a person hello or good morning can make their day.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, it can, Glynn. May we be mindful of those around us that need a dose of kindness.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Amen, Martha! My sweet mother showed me, by example, the power of a smile or kind word. I can hear her voice now, "It doesn't cost a thing."
ReplyDeleteCurious. I was just thinking yesterday while at the VA, the 'older' generation is more likely to make eye contact and return a smile than young people. Even at the grocery. Have you noticed that? Hopefully, we can all encourage others by example.
I have noticed that, Myra, and I think it might have a lot to do with the Covid generation and the wearing of masks. I love what you shared here about your mother, too. So full of wisdom and common sense!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I love your post today! Doesn't kindness give us hope?
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Christine, being kind to others or having others be kind to us does fill me with the best kind of hope.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Ah what a great post Martha...kindness is truly a wonderful gift to give and we all certainly can afford to give it. God Bless you for sharing this meditation and your good words. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Debbie! It makes me happy knowing this post spoke to your heart.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Loved this Martha and so true. I am a smiley person naturally and I always make that extra effort to make eye contact and smile. So many people are hurting so much so, that once they receive the smile, they don’t know how to react. Eyes down, then they look up again and either smile back while some may hurry away. My heart hurts for those who are starved for kindness and understanding. We hear so often about rude people when out and about but I have to say, a simple genuine smile can diffuse even the crankiness of souls.
ReplyDeleteReally people just want to be seen which is half the battle.
There are so many hurting people out in the world, Debby, and the least we can do is make the effort to brighten their day with a genuine smile. Yes, some may not pick up on our kindness, but we can know that we tried and say a silent prayer for them. Only God knows what is truly going on inside them.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I loved that song and Glen Campbell - I do remember him.
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is extremely true. I wish some of my family members would realize that. We had a couple issues with that recently.
Everyone including ourselves, would appreciate a kind word.
There isn't a one of us who doesn't need a touch of sincere kindness every day, Sandie. As I was writing this post, Glen Campbell's song kept running through my head, so I knew I had to post it at the end. He was one of my favorite performers growing up. And isn't it so true that our own family members can be the most difficult when it comes to showing kindness. I pray that situation will resolve itself.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
I so much totally agree! We always carry a certain small amount of money to give to the homeless when we pass the ones holding signs, as well. Jesus said when we help the least of those, we are helping Him! I believe that lifting others up is part of our purpose here, of course along with worshipping God.
ReplyDeleteA while back, Danny and I started doing the same thing, carrying cash in case we saw someone in genuine need. It breaks our hearts, too. Fortunately, in our town, we don't have a lot of homeless folks. What we both give to on a monthly basis is Tunnels2Towers which serves the wounded service men/first responders and their families should someone die or be severely injured in the line of duty. It's a fantastic organization!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Oh yes, a smile doesn't cost a penny to give, and it reaps so many rewards! Sometimes that is all it takes to brighten someone's day. And yes, making eye contact and smiling and maybe saying hello to a stranger...it seems to surprise so many, because kindness isn't being practiced as much these days. So many have their faces stuck in their cell phones that they don't even look around them. To me that is very sad. Thank you for this good post. It makes me want to go out and smile at someone today! (actually, I already did at Walmart. Amazing how people open up when you smile!)
ReplyDeleteThey certainly can open up when they see you smiling at them, Pamela. I love how you just did that at Walmart. And talking to strangers? Yes, I did that just today when we were at Danny's dermatology appointment. I recall, too, that one day in Publix, I saw a woman about my age wearing a Christian T-shirt; I stopped and told her how much I loved it and I think we chatted for at least ten minutes! We never know the beautiful people God will put in our path when we decide to show kindness and caring.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Even though we've never met in person and I've never had the privilege of enjoying a face-to-face exchange with you, I smiled as I read you account of your interactions with others because I had already picutured you exactly that way. Like you, I love offering encouraging comments to people Diane and I meet and seeing our smiles returned. I thank people quite frequently forr their bright smiles and pleasant demeanor and remind them that because of their kindness the world around us became a more wonderful place for a few minutes. So, does the world around here, dear sister, when Diane and I get to hear from you. We're continuing to pray for both of you,of course, as you continue Danny''s road back to full functioning and active ministry.
ReplyDeleteDanny and I may never have met Diane and you in person, but sometimes, I think that's what blogs are all about. Long distance friendships are forged when we smile across the miles and connect in God's purpose for our lives. As ever, I'm so glad to know that this post resonated with you, Ron, and I'm not surprised that the smiles you readily share with others, and receive in return, brighten their lives and yours.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
A smile lightens up a person's day for sure. Nice post, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Bill, for the smile you offered to us all here.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
This is such a lovely post, Martha! If only the whole world would just nurtue the fruits of the Holy Spirit!! Amen!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Terri, for your kind, affirming words! Yes, what a beautiful world this would be if only we would practice the fruits of the Spirit.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Beautiful thoughts here, Martha. I find myself wanting to grow the fruit of kindness in my life more and more. I see the importance of it in our daily lives. Sweet story about the toddler. I pray for divine encounters daily when I'm out and about, and yes, even a smile shows kindness in the most simplest way. God bless!
ReplyDeleteIt amazes me, too, Karen, knowing that a simple smile can brighten someone's day. In your travels with Friday's Forever, I'm sure y'all have many beautiful opportunities to share kindness with everyone you encounter. Let's all do our best to show a little kindness!
DeleteGrace and blessings!
So true, Martha. Those random acts of kindness are so important. As you say, even a smile. Every person has a need to be noticed and cared about, and we never know what battle each one is going through. This reminds me of Mother Teresa's quote: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Love, hugs and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Trudy, for reminding us of that wonderful quote by Mother Teresa - it's the perfect fit! And yes, every one of us needs to feel noticed and acknowledged. Life is too short not to do so.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
Oops. I forgot to put my name with that comment...
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Trudy! I saw this when I answered your original comment.
DeleteGrace and blessings!
A very true and meaningful post my dear! And thank you so much for your visits which I appreciate so much! I'm glad we enjoy a walk together...
ReplyDeleteHonestly, Cloudia, I look forward to seeing your blog each and every day as it's always uplifting. I'm glad to know this post meant a lot to you. Let's continue to enjoy the walk!
DeleteGrace and blessings!