A Daily Purpose (Day 77)

written by: Torrie Slaughter

Are you a different person online? Let’s be honest, it’s easy to stand up for injustice or hide our emotions behind a repost. We can vent, brag, or show kindness with a few clicks. But what is meant to be private will eventually see the light of day. It could be shameful or worse, a buried skeleton that peeks out at Satan’s command. 

The proverbial shoe dropping. 

I’m not perfect. I’ve made numerous mistakes, there are things I’m not proud of and wish had never happened. I know the enemy will make use of my past as this ministry grows. However, I am ready. (Matthew 10:28) God prepares us when we repent and make improvements. The Truth of His Word is good for correction, training, and reproof. While I know God did not remove the consequences of my transgressions, I (we) can walk faithfully forward with God leading the way. Living a transformed life is the goal of a Christ-follower. Forgiveness, kindness, understanding, grace, and mercy are attributes of our Divine Holy Rabbi. Getting to know Him is how we increase our awareness and spiritual maturity.  

I believe we can agree that God is love and with that truth He is also kind. That is whatHe helped me understand. I needed to be kind so that I could see His perfect love. And that means that when others seek to kill steal or destroy that which belongs to me I can look directly to my Savior and ask the Holy Spirit to give me a kind pliable heart so that I don’t retaliate because vengeance belongs to the Lord. 

The Bible has many verses and teachings about being kind, both to others and to ourselves. Here are some examples:

What I love about today’s assigned reading is that it includes Proverbs 11:16

The Bible has many verses and teachings about being kind, both to others and to ourselves. Let’s start with

1. Proverbs 11:16 “A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.” – Proverbs 11:16

2. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

This verse emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion towards others, and also reminds us of the power of forgiveness.

3.”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12

This verse highlights the qualities that we should strive to embody as followers of God, including kindness.

This proverb speaks to the idea that kindness is more valuable than material wealth or power.

4. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” – Proverbs 3:3-4

Being kind and loving towards others can help us to gain favor and a good reputation in the eyes of God and other people.

The Bible teaches that kindness is an important virtue that we should strive to cultivate in our lives, both towards others and towards ourselves. By embodying kindness and compassion, we can live more fulfilling and meaningful lives, and also contribute to making the world a better place.

Proverbs 11:17 states, “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” This simple but profound statement highlights the importance of kindness in our lives and how it can positively impact not just those around us but also ourselves.

At its core, the proverb speaks to the universal truth that being kind to others can have a ripple effect that extends beyond just the immediate moment. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can help create a more positive and compassionate world, as well as benefit the individuals who engage in them.

When we show kindness to others, it not only makes them feel good but also boosts our own sense of well-being. Studies have shown that performing acts of kindness can increase our levels of happiness and improve our mental health. This is because being kind triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that makes us feel good.

On the other hand, those who are cruel and unkind may experience negative consequences not just in terms of their relationships with others but also in their own personal lives. Cruelty and meanness can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as damage to one’s reputation and even legal consequences.

Ultimately, Proverbs 11:17 serves as a reminder that kindness is not just a moral obligation but also a practical strategy for living a happier and more fulfilling life. By making a conscious effort to be kind to others, we can help create a more positive and compassionate world and also benefit ourselves in the process.

No matter where we are we cannot escape the presence of God. We might think we can hide behind an anonymous online account or if we post an cartoon profile photo no one will attach the real us with the virtual us. But that’s not how life works. We are the online personas, we are the excuses we make, we are the emotions and God sees it all. Dear Saints let us strive to be less like the world and more like God.Be kind. Be love. Be patient. Both online and in person.