Kindness is Contagious

Being kind is not always the easy thing to do. It doesn't always come natural, doesn't always yield a return, can take extra time or resources, and sometimes isn't fun. But the thing about kindness is: it's always a choice.

In every moment you choose whether to say a kind word or do a good deed, or you choose not to. 

I'm not sure how many people you come across day, but I'm guessing I probably average interactions with about 230 people per day during the week, between work and evening fun. That's a lot of people, and a lot of opportunities to choose kindness.

Proverbs 16:24 tells us that kind words are sweet to the soul. Proverbs 12:18a says that the words of the reckless pierce like swords. 

So, if kind words are sweet, and reckless words pierce, it is obvious which choice to make. But that doesn't make it easy.

Never underestimate the power of a positive word. I'm sure you can think of a time where someone's words lifted you up or encouraged you to press on through a hard situation. Your words have that same power--if you choose them wisely. 

And while it might be more effort, more time, more energy, your kindness will do just as much for you as for the person receiving it. 

Be A Fountain

I stumbled across this quote the other day and have been reflecting on it ever since. I probably need to print it and hang it on my desk as a daily reminder. 

It made me think about the words that come out of my mouth every day. Sometimes, it's just so easy to complain or to talk about the things that are going wrong. And while there is a time and a place for venting and discussing frustrations, when done too often or in the wrong circumstance it is draining for other people to listen to. You can probably think of someone in your life who is constantly complaining and never seems happy. Do you enjoy being around that person? Is it inspiring or draining? 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 Ephesians 4:29

We are called and commanded to speak words that build up others. Words that encourage, bring hope, and breathe life into everyone we come across in our daily lives. The words we speak should be of benefit to whoever is hearing them. Be careful. You don't want to be the person that people think of when they think of someone who is constantly complaining or tearing others down.