Raising three boys all under the age of 12 can be a handful. They live for the moment, not thinking about tomorrow or the last five minutes. As such, they leave things thrown about everywhere. Items such as clothes, utensils, toys, etc.
My wife continuously picks up after them because she says it’s easier. It seems that even after what seems like endless requests for them to pick up after themselves, the messages still don’t sink in. More than a few times, I’ve stopped her and told her they need to learn responsibility.
Today, however, I was convicted. After studying kindness during my daily devotional, I realized my wife does these things not so much because it’s “easier” but because her mother did the same for her. Even now, her mother makes kind gestures for her and us, whether it’s surprise meals, activity for the kids, or any other number of similar acts of kindness.
Although I still believe in teaching them responsibility and have faith, they will eventually “get it,” I must also make room for kindness. Scripture tells us kindness is not about someone deserving it, but rather, it’s an outward expression of an inward condition.
When we genuinely believe God forgives us and loves us unconditionally, we can then ask the Spirit to take the bitterness away and to make us kind. This faith will then initiate a fruit of kindness we can share with others.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on Ephesians 4:31-32 for yourself.
Pray:
How are you showing kindness to others? Be real; be honest.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Create a plan on how you will let the Spirit cultivate kindness in you to share with others.
Share / Show:
Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.
