Simple Kindness

Collosians 3:12-14 states:

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

When Paul wrote these words to the Christians in Collose, he was sitting in a prison cell bound with chains. Yet, in the midst of his captivity, he spoke of kindness, compassion and patience.

Would you?

I've been thinking a lot lately of how our society tries to harden us. With blatant violence on television, in song lyrics, and in computer games, no wonder we are becoming an "every man for himself" generation as never before.

To show love makes you a weaker vessel. To show compassion is frowned upon. Give money instead but don't get your hands dirty. Money is a blessing, that's for sure, but sometimes what is most needed at the core of hurt is a hug. A simple hug.

For this week, I encourage you to be kind. Be kind to the older woman needing help with her grocery bags. Be kind and show patience to that driver who thinks they have someplace better to go than you do. Be kind to the little dog who has lost his way.

Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a hug, and praise the Lord that you lived another day. Others haven't. Even worse -- others do not know His love.

Simply be kind. Give hugs with abandon. And, have a blessed and joy-filled week.

In His name with great big hugs~

DMM