Dear God, If I cannot be brilliant, let me be kind. If I cannot change the world, let me inspire just one other to do so. If I can not give away riches, let me be loving. Let me be known for kindness, for it is the greatest glory Amen
“Those who withhold kindness from a friend forsake the fear of the Almighty"Job 6:14
In almost every situation in which you will find yourself during your lifetime, you will encounter people who make it very easy for you to be kind. Just as often, you will also find yourself encountering people who make it very challenging--a difficult co-worker, an overbearing friend, or perhaps a troublesome family member. I’ve found myself shying away from giving these people my kindness, preferring to sit silently in comfort.
Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians said: “Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.”
In saying that our kindness should be “known” to all, St Paul is not saying that we are to show off our virtue to others. He is not saying that everyone should know that we are a kind person. The knowledge he is speaking of is an experiential one. He is saying all should experience our kindness and love.
Notice he did not say that we only have to be kind to the people we like, or even prefer. We do not get to choose who we show kindness to. We do not get to decide which people are worthy of our love. Our love, our kindness are not ours to give away. It is the Lord’s and we are to follow Him by giving all a chance to experience his love and mercy.
To Jesus through Mary-Carissa Pluta
