Kindness
is one of the fruit of the Spirit. Random act of kindness is one of the mantras
of today's society. When we hear this, we usually transfer our focus to the
general public around us.
Yet,
showing kindness to those in our own household is the best place to start. Then,
we move on to our church family, our workplace, social media, the market place,
the doctor's office, heavy traffic, etc.
Kindness
is a very hard mannerism to develop; but once we do, this characteristic is a
permanent one. We may have lapses in showing kindness due to weariness,
frustration, anger, disappointment, broken promises, etc.
This
is to be expected, and accepted with tolerance and understanding; especially if
we or our loved one lapses from kindness into irritation for a few moments or for
a longer period of time.
First,
we check our own attitude and behavior, and see if we are causing the mean-spirited
words or actions of our mate. It is better if we honestly share how we feel with
one another rather than to hide behind anger or silence.
Facing
our distrust and confessing our woundedness will promote unity and intimacy in
our relationships. Devotion and commitment to each other is the cornerstone of
any good marriage.
These
characteristics help us to bear with each other with patience, and to show love
and compassion for their trials, even when they mistreat us in the process.
Reminding
our self about why we fell in love will help to rekindle that spark that
brought us together. It helps us to focus on longevity, and to overlook
temporary set-backs in our day-to-day interactions.
Making
a list of what we appreciate about one another is a good way to keep our focus
on the positive aspects for the long run, rather than to allow present
circumstances to drive a wedge between us.
Prayer:
Father
God, create in us a clean heart, and renew a sound mind and attitude within our
soul. Help us to walk in Your Spirit, especially when our spouse slips back
into the flesh. Remind us to express our appreciation to one another on a card,
poem, email, text or even verbally. Help us to develop the humility we need to
confess our faults to one another, and to prefer each other over our self.
Draw
us to Your heart and help us to see one another with Your eyes of compassion.
Help us to have mercy that is new every morning and not to carry grudges and
anger over into the next day (Ephesians 4:26). Your Spirit is transforming us
with the mind of Christ and we can view each other as You see us, forgiving each
other, even while we are still upset with one another (Romans 5:8).
Thought
for the Day:
Through
Christ in us, we can refuse to take words and behavior personally, but to give
our slights and our hurt to Him; so that He can transform our emotions into
empathy and grace for one another in our times of need.
