Kindness in Action

A kindhearted woman gains respect, 
but ruthless men gain only wealth.
A kind man benefits himself,
but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

-Proverbs 11:16-17 (NIV)

This beautiful proverb lifts up to us the blessing of being a blessing. Even if we just looked at this selfishly, we would want to live right, knowing that it is right for us. "Remember this: . . . whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6, NIV).

In the book of Acts we read about how the Philippian church started. Paul had gone there because of a dream of a man saying, "Come over to help us." But when he arrived, he just came across a group of women - whom he shared the gospel with. Listen to the story in Acts 16:14-15: "One of those listening was a woman named Lydia. . . The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord,' she said, 'come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us" (NIV).

She was both an openhearted and kindhearted woman. She considered ti an honor to offer true hospitality. Can you imagine some of the conversations that happened at her house over the next few weeks? Did she see others get saved in her own living room? Later, when the letter to the Philippians arrived, maybe it was at her house that it was first read. Lydia was a kindhearted woman who gained respect.

Live It Out!
To be kind is to possess sympathetic or generous qualities. A kindhearted woman does kindhearted things. William Wordsworth referred to the "best portion of a good man's life" as "his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love." When your husband is late, be kind. When a child breaks a dish, be kind. When your mom needs a ride to the doctor, be kind.

-From The One Year Wisdom for Woman Devotional by Debbi Bryson; March 18

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