The world doesn’t feel very kind these days. As we read social media posts, we see so much anger and dissension rising up. The sad thing is, we say things online that we would never say to a person’s face. We argue about everything under the sun, and it feels at times that people have forgotten one of the basic rules we learned in kindergarten, to be kind to one another.

In a recent Choose Chat, Laura Pedersen and I discussed how we can make kindness a choice. We can choose to be the hands and feet of Christ by sharing the kindness that Christ modeled for us. Kindness is love in action, and we are called above all else to love.

Yet how do we make that choice come to life? How can we truly be kind in our every day, hectic, jam-packed lives? It’s one thing to say we are going to choose kindness, but how do we practically live that choice out?

I’ve been wrestling with that for a couple of days now. When I read these words in Proverbs, I felt very convicted:

Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
Proverbs 11:17 (NLT)

Isn’t that the truth! When we are cruel to others, when we don’t show kindness, we are the ones who truly suffer. When I leave a situation where I haven’t been kind, I always feel horrible. I go over and over it in my mind and think of what I should have said. I always wish with all my might I could take my words or actions back, but that’s impossible to do. Then I’m left with the regret that comes from not choosing kindness.

What if we could focus and be intentional about doing our very best to model the kindness Jesus displayed. Our world would look radically different if we did! And the verse above tells us we will be rewarded when we do. We all know, life simply goes better when we are kind.

Kindness draws others toward us. Kindness changes people’s hearts. Kindness heals broken relationships. Kindness makes people feel loved and respected.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;  I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Jeremiah 31:3

So the next time someone lashes out on social media, the next time the store clerk is rude, the next time a loved one says something cruel, try choosing kindness. Instead of lashing out in return, maybe you can stay silent or choose to say something positive instead of being drawn into the negative. Sometimes a little kindness can totally diffuse a situation.

As I write these words, I also feel a gentle reminder in my spirit to intentionally reach out to people in my life who have been kind to me and have offered encouragement along the way. I’ve been “too busy” lately to make time for those quiet acts of kindness. Things like a quick text that says I am thinking about them. Or leaving an encouraging message on their Facebook page. Or maybe it’s setting aside time for coffee and giving them one of the kindest gifts we can give to others, our time.

I am always touched deeply when I receive a random act of kindness, and it’s time for me to start returning the favor!

Will you join me this week in choosing kindness?

Jill

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Jill Miller has been called the “Energizer Bunny” more times than she can remember. It’s probably because she has a zest for life that’s contagious and loves sharing how God has worked in her life. Through her music ministry, she shares her personal struggles honestly and never pretends to have all the answers or have it all together. She’s simply a friend telling her story, hoping it will touch your heart, encourage you in your struggles, and inspire you to keep moving forward and reaching for your full potential.

Awards/Credentials

• Certified as a Level 2 DISC Trainer – 2018.
• Opened for Loretta Lynn, Brian Littrell, NewSong
• Radio single “King of Kings” reached No. 1 on International and European chart
• Radio single “Watch Me Fly” received airplay on over 500 radio stations in the U.S.
• First Place Toastmasters International Speech Contest for Iowa, Division A – 2014
• Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach – 2016
• Voted “Siouxland Woman of the Year” – 2006
• Regional Workshop Coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) – 2006

Women of Faith is a global ministry, specializing in the use of all forms of media & technology, as a conduit to connect people to people and exponentially grow friends and community globally and to create disciples 24/7, 365 days per year.  This allows Women of Faith to reach more people and to have more impact in growing God’s Kingdom.  Women of Faith is also committed to carrying the legacy of wisdom, story and authenticity, by providing various media, initiatives, resources, events, courses, studies, partnerships and programs.  These are utilized in delivering spiritual strength, life leadership, real relationships and to encourage and equip women to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus. Women of Faith's Foundational Voice is Alita Reynolds.