Be Kind to One Another
Kindness seems to be lost these days.
The other day, I was driving my car doing errands and I noticed how rude many drivers are. Everyone seemed to be in a rush. As I tried to navigate into the next lane of traffic, would anyone let me in? No way! And then I found myself behind a car in the left lane that was traveling the same speed as the car in the right lane. So I was stuck behind them both.
As I was thinking about this, I realize that I may not be the best person to be critical of other’s driving habits. After all, I’ve been known to test the speed limit at times. But recently, I’ve been more convicted of my behavior in all areas ..including my driving.
I don’t have bumper stickers on my car but …many Christians do. Are you aware of how you’re driving, especially if you’re advertising your faith on your car? Are you kind to other drivers?
How often do you do the following:
- Do you open doors for others?
- Do you give up your seat if there are none available in the waiting room?
- Do you return your grocery cart?
- Do you smile at the store clerk who seems to be having a bad day?
I once heard a story of a man who was riding on a bus with his two children. The man sat there unmoved as his children were yelling and carrying on, disturbing the other passengers. Finally, one of the passengers complained and asked the man why he couldn’t control his children’s behavior better. The man answered that he was so sorry but they had just lost their mother and were returning from the hospital. He was so emotionally drained at the time and been oblivious to the scene they were creating.
It certainly changes perspective when you realize … the story behind the behavior.
Sometimes it’s easy and natural for us to do kind things when we’re in church or when others are watching. But what about the times when nobody sees? Are you still kind?
Let’s get a bit more personal. Are your parents growing older and having a harder time getting around? Maybe they are more forgetful and tend to repeat things many times. Are you patient and kind with them or do you tell them you’ve heard this too many times? Sometimes it can be easier to be kind to people outside of our family. We often have history with the people closest to us.
Ephesians 4:2 says “…be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
And I love the image above of the two children; one feeding the other.
Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another …”
Two simple Bible verses that are easy to memorize but …do we put them into action?
Oh, Debbie, you have totally written from my own heart. We are too often in a rush that we do not have time to listen to the people around us, to get the whole story. Yes, we should be more kind to each other, no matter if while driving or in the grocery store.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us…
(BTW – my spam word was ‘mercy’ — I will make that my word of the day today)
This is something that has been my mission while living “up north”…being extra kind. They usually mark it up as Southern hospitality, but I hope they see God’s love in there too.
I was running a bit behind to my Jr High daughter’s parent teacher conference, and it was really cold…40’s, so I wanted inside that building. I heard footsteps way behind and decided to wait and hold the door for her; she was only wearing a jean jacket. I was so focused on meeting the new teachers that I did not realize it was my son’s para teacher from last yr!
To top it off, she is a good friend of one of my best friends who she stopped to chat with about going to lunch.
Thankful I took the time to be kind…
Thank you for that word. It was needed in this time we live in with so many of our own concerns and difficulties. We must step outside of ourselves and see the hurting people of this world.
Be kind…a good word.
Blessings~
You are so right about rude drivers. I wonder sometimes where are they going that they have to be there in such a hurry. Something that apparently won’t be there when they get there if they’re late. The grocery carts, I always always return my cart. Am surprised I haven’t been mistaken as an employee because if I pass a cart on the way I grab it too. Cashiers, even if they barely speak, I will and ask them how they’re doing and tell them to have a great day at the end of the transaction.
Great word today Debbie! When I become frustrated with someone I often try to look beyond the word or the action that caused me to become frustrated and I try to find the reason for the unkind word, it changes your perspective totally!
Kindness is a must every day and goes right along with “its not about me”. Good point about Christian bumper stickers on the car we drive. Our driving is our witness, too.
This is a wonderful reminder Debbie. That is such a good point about knowing the reason behind the behavior. Often times there are things going on we can’t see on the surface. have a great day.
Such a beautiful reminder.
Beautiful thoughts Debbie, patience is definitely what I need when I drive!! =)