Bless People
"Bless and do not curse." (Romans 12:14) I’m not talking about swear words (necessarily). I'm simply thinking that people already have too much "curse" thrown their way. We all could use a little kindness. Not too long ago, Cheryl and I, along with a pastor, had a meal together in a local restaurant. We were intentionally kind to the friendly wait staff, in hope that our joy and optimism were contagious. We "blessed" her with compliments for her great service (even before we realized how excellent she was) and genuinely took an interest in her. We "blessed" her with a generous tip (can you say 100% of the bill?). Last but not least, we "blessed" her by calling her by name and bragging on her to her boss. Amanda was so touched by our kindness that as we left she hugged us, telling us that it hadn't been such a great day but that our kindness was just what she needed. She INSISTED that we take a dessert home. She would not take, "No" for an answer. Her boss insisted that we take two desserts. The world is a better place through kindness.
The Bible says, and we believe, that the “Fruit of the spirit is … kindness,” (Gal 5:22-23) among many other things.
When it is increasingly popular to discard kindness for all other kinds of emotion, the relevance of this Scriptural call and Spirit’s equipping to kindness has never been more necessary. And in a day when fewer people read the Bible, remember, that watching our lives may be the only Bible people may ever read.
By Dr. J. Phillip Fuller, Superintendent Virginia District and NBC Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Published: 05/06/2019
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