May kindness and faithfulness be with you;   2 Samuel 15:20

This is a beautiful blessing that would be so impactful if we all took a moment to provide one simple act of kindness and wish faithfulness to each other.  We often see signs that say, “Be kind”.  That’s a great concept but what does that really mean?  Why should we “choose kindness?”  Being kind is something that is so basic to many people, and yet so foreign to others.  When was the last time you saw someone being kind?  Or when was the last time you did something kind?  

Some of the basic attributes of kindness are friendliness, generosity, and being considerate.  Being kind means that you have to take some time to think about someone else other than yourself.  To show kindness, you actually are thinking I have the ability to do something that will impact another person in a very positive way.  So therefore kindness is changing your thought process to think beyond yourself and do something thoughtful.  

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 

1 Thessalonians 5:15

One simple act of kindness can send rippling effects throughout the world.  If you really think about it, kindness has power!  You have the power to make a difference by one simple act of kindness.  That’s the beauty of kindness, it doesn’t have to be some major event or an extravagant act, it can be something so sweet and simple.  A friendly smile or a thoughtful conversation can be priceless!

…blessed is he who is kind to the needy.  Proverbs 14:21

Here are a few ways to share an act of kindness with others:

• showing compassion, put yourself in another’s shoes and understand how they are feeling
• being friendly, say Hi to a new neighbor 
• be patient with others
• be thoughtful, really think of ways to help others
• be understanding
• show grace
• be selfless
• be helpful
• show hospitality

These are just a few ways to incorporate kindness into your day.  As I am writing this our neighbors have been spreading kindness.  After a night of accumulating snow, a neighbor used his snowblower to clear off our driveway, another neighbor cleared off our sidewalk in front of our home and another neighbor on her morning walk decided to clear off the snow around the fire hydrant in our front yard.  I am so grateful and thankful for the kindness of others.  The saying, “Kindness Matters” is so true and came to life today.

Faithfulness

The second part of this blessing found in 2 Samuel 15:20 is about faithfulness.  Faithfulness can be defined as the state of being faithful or total devotion to a person, concept, or thing.  Some attributes of faithfulness are loyalty, reliability, trustworthiness, and truth.   Being faithful is a command that we are given in Proverbs 3:3, Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

This is such a beautiful concept to write love and faithfulness on the tablet of your heart.  This means to totally trust that God is with you, He will never leave you, his love will guide you and his truth is always there even if we don’t always see it right away.  God’s faithfulness is great, reaching to the heavens.  

Psalms 57:10

I want to leave you with this final blessing on faithfulness found in Lamentations,

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  

Lamentations 3:22-23

Be blessed today, knowing that kindness and faithfulness are yours through the compassionate spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

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