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The Power of Kindness

                 This article is about one of the most important and powerful attitudes in the word of God.  Put into practice, this quality could change all your relationships for the better.  What is this most outstanding concept?  Kindness!

                At first glance, kindness does not seem like a big deal.  In fact, it is a concept that we teach to children.  You go to pre-school and kindergarten, at least in part, to learn how to share and be kind to others.  However, kindness is not childish.

                Kindness is the starting point of every Godly action.  It was God’s kindness that motivated him to save us (Titus 3:3-7).  Kindness is the evidence that God’s Spirit lives in us (Galatians 5:22-23).  Ultimately, “God’s kindness leads you towards repentance” (Romans 2:4).  Kindness is powerful!

                Several years ago, Sara and I got a dog.  I do not like dogs, but I like Sara and she wanted one and so Murphy came to live with us.  When Murphy was being bad, I would try to force him to behave.  I was not mean, but I was strict.  If he pulled on his leash, I would pull him the other way to show him who was in charge.  When he was barking, I would go out and tell him to be quiet, but I would leave him outside.  On the other hand, Sara played with him and gave him treats.  When he was doing something that he should not be doing, she would patiently train him to be better.  Who do you think Murphy loved?  Whose dog was Murphy?  Murphy tolerated me, but he loved Sara!  Her kindness did much more than my strictness.

                If you want to influence someone, kindness is the place to start.  If you would like to change the culture of your workplace, school or family, lead by being kind.  If you want to draw someone closer to God, then start where God always starts, with kindness.

                There is one disclaimer:  If you are in an abusive or toxic relationship, you do not need to be kind, you need to seek other forms of help.  Otherwise, your kindness will be used against you.  However, in healthy circumstances, kindness can work wonders.

                Being kind is not childish.  It is Godly and powerful!

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