5 Wonderful Reasons To Be Kind Always

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 Have you seen the videos of people rewarding people for showing kindness to a stranger?

I had a surprise moment several years ago. I stopped by a local store to buy a screen saver for my iPad. I don’t remember doing or saying anything special, although I typically try to remember to smile and say “please and thank you.”

This time, as I was getting my credit card out of my wallet, the salesperson said, “How would you like to receive 25% off? I like to do nice things for nice people.”

As I got in the car, I thought, “Wow, it would be easy to be kind simply for selfish reasons.”

Mother Teresa said:

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.”

Or as Rev would say, that’s downright Biblical…

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.

Proverbs 3:3–4

I think the message is … don’t over-evaluate your motives or worry about what people think—just be kind anyway.

Although the reward for kindness may not always be monetary or even returned kindness there are always wonderful reasons to be kind.

Here are…

5 Blessings You’ll Enjoy
When You Choose to Be Kind

1. Being kind makes you happier.

• Smile at everyone. You may be surprised to learn that they will usually smile back.
• Say please, thank you, and you’re welcome … it’s contagious.
• Friendly caring people have more friendly caring relationships.
• Being kind makes you feel better about yourself.

2. Being kind is good for your health.

Based on reason number 1, I learned that happier people are often healthier. An article at Harvard Health begins…

“People who describe themselves as happy tend to have fewer health problems, a lower risk of depression, and longer lives.”

And Everyday Health adds some research-backed health benefits…

• Improved heart health
• Better immune functioning
• Faster recovery from injury or illness
• Reductions in pain
• Lower levels of stress and anxiety.
• Better sleep.

3. Being kind improves your relationships.

We all need people in our lives … so, treat people the way you want them to treat you. If you want to be with kind people—be kind yourself.

Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.

Matthew 7:12 (MSG)

4. Being kind and feeling gratitude go hand in hand.

When you and I are kind and the people around us are kind in return, we’re blessed with more reasons to be thankful.

God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:12, 17

5. Being kind may cause a ripple that goes on and on.

You and I will never know how many people are being touched by our acts of kindness. It may motivate an ongoing chain that touches lives for ages. God can use our smiles and small gestures to turn around attitudes and changed attitudes often become changed lives.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Be Kind Always

Father, Your kindness is evident in Your merciful forgiveness and gracious provision. Everything You do flows from Your perfect love.

Your Word tells us that You are “righteous in everything You do and filled with kindness.” (Psalm 145:17) And it commands us to … “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Like all of Your commands, You give them because You know they are good for us. You want us to enjoy the health and happiness kindness gives. You want us to enjoy strong loving relationships living with gratitude so that the world might see You in us.

Please help me. May I refuse to selfishly focus on myself and live with love for You and everyone around me. It takes so little effort to be kind but it has such a powerful impact on the world. Kindness blesses everyone it touches – the giver and the recipient.

I love You, Lord. Please help me share Your love by generously sharing Your kindness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

I heard Tim Tebow speak recently about the “Helper’s High.” It is the release of endorphins and feelings of satisfaction we get from doing something kind for someone. In fact, psychologists say that being kind helps keep us from becoming obsessed with our own problems.

So…

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Mother Teresa said…

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

And I love this quote from an unknown writer…

“Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.”

So go out and spread some kindness and take a moment to enjoy the blessings!

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