Just Be Kind
February 20, 2023 – Vol. 27 No. 08
Just Be Kind
We talk a lot about kindness. We chose kindness as their word for the year, printed it on shirts and hats, plastered it on our car’s bumper, and tattooed it on their body. Galatians 5 lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Spirit. We think about kindness and talk about it, but is it part of who we are? Here are a few situations where I need to be kind or wish others would be kind.
When you tell someone, you will call them, call them. It’s the kind thing to do. However, be thoughtful when someone tells you they will contact you and they don’t.
Show up when you say you will meet with someone, be there. It’s the kind thing to do. If you can’t make it, let the person know. Likewise, be kind when someone tells you they will meet you at a specific time but miss the appointment.
Do what you say you will do. Keep your promise. Keeping your commitment is a kind thing to do. If you can’t keep your promise, let the person know and apologize. Be kind when someone fails to keep a promise they made to you. Remember the times you have been unable to keep a promise.
Listen first. If someone is talking, listen first. If you walk into a room in the middle of a conversation, listen before you speak. You may not know what the people are talking about, and they may not want or need your input. It is a kind and wise thing to do. It may keep you from appearing or sounding silly. When someone is talking, listen. Don’t interrupt. It is a kind thing to do. When you interrupt someone, apologize. Let them talk. It’s a kind thing to do.
Acknowledge people. When you are on the phone and someone needs your attention, you don’t have to stop your conversation but acknowledge them. Let them know you will be with them as soon as you can. When you need to speak to someone, but they are on the phone, wait patiently (another of the fruits of the Spirit), and don’t interrupt the person. Be kind if you feel ignored (visualize being in a restaurant). Leave if you need to, but don’t make a scene. Just be kind.
Kindness costs us nothing and requires little other than getting past our ego and pride. Yet, we all need kindness and compassion. If you are a follower of Jesus, it is not optional.
Just be kind.
Tom
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