Authentic Living in Kindness

 

Words that reflect an action are interesting gestures. Our theme for June in the Authentic Living series is kindness.  We hear this word often and many times we see it printed on t-shirts.

Kindness means to be friendly, generous and compassionate.  So, if I am wearing a t-shirt that says “kindness” and I find myself lashing out what does that say about me?

For starters most would probably think, I was a hypocrite.  This would be a fair analysis because quite often, we only see the surface of people having no idea what they may be going through.

We should be asking if they are okay, but it seems easier to come up with a theory.  We all do this; I have done this.  It is a human condition to make assumptions and unravel a situation until we have no idea what we were originally talking about. 

There are some who can balance kindness in the most respectful manner.  They seem to always be lifting others upward and we like to believe their life is perfect. The truth is nobody lives in perfection. 

Life is hard and we are all difficult people at some level. Choosing how we react is much better than making assumptions. 

The True Vine of Kindness

Last month I revisited the book of John where I found comfort in chapter 15 when Christ begins with, I am the true vine.  In verses 1-4 he mentions every branch that bears fruit he prunes.

As a gardener we prune so that our plants can be more fruitful.  The lesson here is that no such person can bear good fruit on their own.  We are the branches; if we fail to believe in God’s word, we will wither. 

To have authentic living in kindness first let go of those opinions because this is a waste of energy. Redirect by being kind to yourself, prune away your broken pieces and the kindness you grow will pour out towards others.  

If the world does not respond to you with compassion, then turn your kindness into a moment of prayer. Kindness does not always have to be a visible gesture; it can be quiet and simplistic.

God sees your effort and he will never stop encouraging you to do good. He will provide the time and place to share kindness because at the end of every day it is his opinion that matters most.

See the good,

Carole West

John 15: 1-4

I am the true vine and my father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you.

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Read the Entire Authentic Series Here.