Nancy Taylor Tate
Good character is not a gift; it is formed through the choices I make. I form habits through repeated behavior, or choices. I can form the habit of being kind… or harsh. I can bless… or curse. I can build… or tear down. I can pray… or doubt. I can take positive action… or be part of the problem.
Ephesians 4:32 tells us we are to “be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
The Amplified says it like this: “Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”
Years ago, the Lord impressed on my spirit the importance of speaking blessing over others. How important our thought life, attitudes, and words are!
During a time when there is much darkness and strife, we are called to be carriers of light. As we release blessing, we can impact situations and lives. As we choose to be kind, even in little things, we are becoming kind; kindness is being formed in us.
A kind heart is much happier than a heart full of strife! As we choose, time and time again, to be kind, not only are we being positioned to triumph in our own life circumstances, we are able to bless and encourage others in theirs.
How refreshing when you come across a kind person! May we, too, be refreshing to others.
What habits are we forming in our lives? Are we becoming more Christ-like? Are we part of the solution… or part of the problem? Can the Lord use us to pray for others? Do we speak blessings… or leave a trail of negativity behind everywhere we go?
Charity is defined as the habit of being kind; lenient in judging others.
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” 1 Corinthians 13:4.
The same verse in the Good News Bible reads, “Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud.”
May the Lord use us, as a people prepared for His end time glory, to make Christ known in and through our lives. May we act contrary to the prevailing spirit. May intercession, not accusation, flow from our lips. May we be kind! May we be loving to others, even as Christ loved us, that we might be instrumental in others coming to know God’s love in a deeper way.
May kindness be formed in us and may we experience the joy it brings. May His love be resident within us and flow to others.