We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

The post “Accepting Others and Working Together” brought out the thought that we are bound together by the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit. The idea is to have an attitude of kindness by focusing on the big issues that bring us together rather than the small things that divide us.

What we make happen for others will be given back to us so when we give a smile, a smile will be given back. When we act kind, we receive kindness from others. Be inspired by today’s song Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and have a day filled with peace and joy.

Index of devotionals

The Boomerang Effect

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. - Proverbs 11:17

As highlighted in the post “Invite God in so Kindness Begins”, there are benefits to being observant to the needs of others and reaching out with acts of kindness. It has what is called the boomerang effect!

Paul was observant to the needs of those on the island of Malta and in return was given the needed supplies to complete the journey as they set sail for Italy. He was committed to doing God’s work and his acts of kindness went a long way to open up doors. As we go through this journey called life, let us be observant to the needs of our neighbor.

What we make happen for others because of our kindness has a way of coming back to us so this day with God, make it a point to offer an act of kindness; give a smile or invite someone into a conversation. If we do, there is a strong possibility that a smile or affirming thought may be returned.

When we invite God into our presence to help with our caring actions towards our neighbor, there is strong possibility that we will receive blessings in return. As we celebrate today, here is a great song to inspire our actions: The Invitation – Rachel Belman.

Index of devotionals

Law’s Requirements for Eternal Life

Some examples were studied the last few days of the law’s requirements for eternal life and written about in the post Love the Lord and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.

The first example is the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the other is At the Home of Martha and Mary.

When we love the Lord, we care about His people. Here is a video that demonstrates how caring for others and being kind is like a relay in which we pass the baton to a teammate: Kindness Returns.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27

Index of devotionals

Kindness Interjection Leads to Life Redirection

In the post Bless with Gentleness, it was explained that Joseph never considered taking revenge on his brothers or those who placed him in prison. He was kind and respectful and this influenced those around him in a positive way. The result was the favor of the Lord and success in whatever he did.

Just like God showed us mercy and kindness which led to positive results, we can also influence those around us in a positive way. This day with God, let us use this video to inspire acts of kindness and mercy towards others: Kindness – Todd Agnew.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32

Index of devotionals

People We Enjoy Being Around

What is it about some people that make us want to be around them? One trait is that they see others as being important with unique skills. They never underestimate potential in others.

Are there stories you have heard or experienced of people who attract crowds? Maybe it’s a friend, a teacher, or a family member. My Grandfather was a High School principal for many years and at his funeral were many former students that had gone through his school. He had the ability to see value in people and they all wanted to pay their respects.

Photo Credit

http://www.123rf.com/photo_6960926_friends-eating-pizza.html

The Foundation for a Better Life has a website. On this website at this link, I read story of an athlete who threw a winning pass to win a football game. Afterwards, he went with some friends to get pizza and they saw the nerdish team manager fall off his bike. Everyone laughed except the great athlete who then invited the team manager to come with them for some pizza. Let us all strive to be like the athlete and throw some winning passes at life by seeing some good in everyone.

I will always remember my friend Gregg who took me in and introduced me to everyone when my parents moved back to their hometown. He died in 2006 after a hard fought two year long battle with cancer and at his funeral, the church was filled with people he had touched in the same way he had touched me.

A few years ago, I remember seeing a commercial of a regional fast food restaurant chain called Whataburger. A guy in this commercial is enjoying breakfast and then looks at his watch only to realize he is late for work. Then he hurriedly buys some extra goodies to carry to work and share with his co-workers. Being late for work doesn’t make you look bad to the boss when you bring breakfast. Instead, he remembers you as the one who brought breakfast.

Every day, we have an opportunity to bring something that others can enjoy. We don’t have to bring breakfast every day; just bring yourself with a smile and an attitude that everyone is important with unique skills to offer.

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