Powerfully Kind

Lately I've seen the word "Kindness/Kind" everywhere. It's on clothes, signs, books and social media. The word is actually on the back of my car too:

"Have courage and be kind." -Cinderella

I really love that quote! But it's hard if I'm being honest. It definitely does take courage to be kind, I'm learning. Because of my job, I am in constant contact with people. And it seem that lately, everyone is a little extra cranky. Which is soooo fun in the workplace! What's even better? My natural/fleshly response is to fight back and say something snarky back. However the Holy Spirit is fine tuning kindness in my life (praise the Lord!).

Romans 12:20 says there are two things that will happen if we choose kindness over hatred. #1 you will be rewarded by God and #2 your kindness will awaken the rude/sassy persons conscience! Check it out:

"If your enemy is hungry, buy him lunch! Win him over with kindness. For your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience and God will reward you with favor."

In other words, their heart will be moved and their shame exposed. That's way more powerful than a sweater that says "Be Kind" on it. It makes total sense though. As children of God, everything we do is powerful! It can be powerfully good or powerfully bad. We get to choose.

So how do we remain kind in a world full of sassy haters? The answer is in verse 21:

"Don't be conquered by the evil one, but conquer evil through union with the One who is good."

It's going to take a constant life union with the only One who is good, to be truly kind. We might be able to slap a fake smile on and "be kind" to people. But true kindness comes from a life joined with the Creator. It means fighting for the presence of God in your daily life, not just the goosebumps in worship on a Sunday morning. Daily unite yourself with Jesus, and when we do, kindness will be a natural byproduct.

Friends, choose kindness. It's a powerful weapon.