kindness

February 26, 2023

What is Good


I was thinking about all the ways I use the word “good” … both positively and negatively!

That’s good.
You need anything? … I’m good. Thanks
Have a good day!
This is no good.
Good morning!
That tastes good.
Be good…
Good Lord!

And what does “good” really mean anyway? Many a debate or disagreement boils down to a different perception or opinion of what is good. We try to teach children to make good choices and to use good behavior and manners. What one person thinks is good may not be good at all to another person. I may decide that something is a good idea, only to change my mind about it later… Changing situations and differences in how we grew up or our current culture, among other things, leads to some differences.

Yet there are many common things for which “good” is very apparent. The Bible sets our standard for goodness using different examples and teachings. I love how it shows real people struggling through life, some failing dramatically and others accomplishing great or positive things for the good of many. Micah said it well!

He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 NASB

How do we decide what is good for a given situation or for life in general? What helps us to decide what is good. I find that taking time for self-reflection helps keep me on track. Just stopping, praying, reading God’s Word, listening, and considering recent actions or thoughts and perceptions is a great way to steer back in the right direction! I realize areas where I need to improve and to hopefully consider where I have grown and learned. Do I “do justice” … and what does that mean anyway? It is a high goal – to be founded on love, be honest, have integrity, be true, and be faithful. “To love kindness” is something that attracts, to care for others and to be cared about. When we walk humbly with God, we recognize His sovereignty or authority and our own imperfect nature and we follow Him, secure in His presence and knowing that He walks with us always.

What is good? That which lives out our love for God, our love for others, and His faithfulness and mercy.

Charlotte-Anne Allen 2/25/2023

Related: “Just Justice” (poem)

August 27, 2022

Like Honey

Honey. I love honey, especially in a cup of hot tea or maybe spread on some toast or a biscuit.

Growing up in a small town, our neighbors behind us kept some beehives and the busy bees were regular visitors to our apple trees. We were also thankful recipients of some of the harvested honey and honeycomb. I still have fond memories of that honey!

A fun fact I’ve heard is that honey is the only natural food source that has all the nutrients that we need. Natural raw honey is rich in antioxidants. It’s also helpful in healing wounds and is a positive alternative to processed sugar. Isn’t that amazing?! The fact that it is good for us really makes one of my favorite verses even more meaningful.

Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24

Like honey, words spoken in kindness are healthy and healing for both soul and body. When our spirits are low, an encouraging word can be powerful. We remember soft and comforting words offered during times of stress, don’t we? Even if I can’t remember the exact words later, I do remember that they were spoken and how much they meant at the time. Thoughtful words spoken during times of celebration or after hard work and accomplishments are important too.

“Kind words are like honey.” What we choose to do with our words has an impact every day. Do you ever think of the effect of your words, both words spoken, and words left unspoken? I was thinking about the fact that words we don’t say can have as much effect as words we do say. What if we don’t encourage or express our love and caring to someone who needs it? How will that affect their lives and what blessing do we also miss? Then too, what if we hold our tongue and don’t speak that hasty or critical remark? Aren’t we all more prone to snapping at others during times of anxiety or exhaustion? Stepping aside, avoiding words, or being especially mindful of what I say helps… Those are good times for some kind words from others!

Just as a smile is contagious, so are positive and kind words. “…Sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Maybe we can help each other out with that, and in so doing better reflect God who loves us.

July 7, 2018

I Wish

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Stuff of dreams
Of hopes thought prayer

I wish for
A world of promise

I wish for
All to know the
Light that shines

I wish for
Joy down deep

I wish for
Peace within

I wish for
People to
Respect each other

I wish for
Compassion for all

I wish for
Others to be encouraged

Desires of life
Do justice
Love kindness
Walk humbly with God

 

*Micah 6:8

 

February 26, 2018

Gentleness?

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“Ouch! That hurt!” …Whether a scrapped knee or elbow or a stumped toe, childhood memories for this tomboy keeping up with three brothers included the inevitable mishaps. My mother’s gentle, but no nonsense, ministrations with band-aide or ice packs taught me of compassion and strength. Care and concern was mixed with encouragement that all would be well.

Jesus modeled this gentleness and strength throughout his ministry. He reached out to heal and to provide for those who came to him. He also called them to show by their good life that their works were done with “gentleness born of wisdom.” *

Wow! That’s not so easy! We have all had our rather “unwise” moments when we’ve blurted out things without considering their consequences. “Bite your tongue,” people used to say when less than thoughtful words came out, or “I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying what I was thinking!” In listening to people, especially in news reports on television, it seems many are talking at once with little respect for others. Self-control and kindness are often disregarded… Our words and actions do not always reflect wisdom or a gentle spirit!

It can be tough to say or do things in a gentle (and more positive) manner, rather than just from a “self” focus. It seems significant that when Paul told the Galatians about the “fruit of the Spirit,” the last two fruits he listed were gentleness and self-control… We have to work at it, but the results are worth it.

One thing that helps me, is to take time to rest and de-stress as regularly as possible. It’s so much harder to respond in positive ways when I’m overly tired! Sometimes I need to remove myself from a situation or conversation, if only briefly, so I can calm down or take time to think first. We all learn what works best for us.

Gentleness? God grant me a gentle heart, so I can serve You better!

*James 3:13