The answer I think is pretty simple. We are sinners and we are selfish and we want what we want :)
The whole verse says, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
If this was something that came natural to people we wouldn't even have to discuss it.
This verse runs through my mind alot, and practicing it myself is hard. When you have children asking you things all day long,(if you homeschool) or when they get home from school,(if you don't homeschool) it is so hard to put kindness into action.
I am convinced every day that I look at Facebook and online comments, that being kind is at the bottom of many people's priority list. Every one wants to be heard, and at any cost. It doesn't matter whether it hurts someones feelings or not.
Freedom of Speech does not mean hurting someones feelings and making sure everyone knows it too.
As a born again believer it should be our goal to be a testimony to Christ in everything we do. It makes me sick to my stomach when I see or hear of unkindness in the open.
No.. it doesn't mean that being unkind in private is ok.
Which raises the point to this post....
How can our children learn to be kind if we as mothers are not kind? Whether or not our children are of reading age as we comment and write things online it shows what is in our heart. What is in our heart will eventually come out in our words and actions. If we are constantly trying to get the last word in and being defensive, offensive and insensitive, there is no way that our children can follow in our footsteps and learn the true meaning of being kind.
Our children are learning every day from us and you've heard it said, our actions speak louder than words.... We can't just say to be kind and scream at them because they asked you the same question again for the 10th time. lol
How can you begin practicing kindness today?
1. Just be kind... In words actions and "comments"
2. Guide your children to say and do the right things
3. Think about the good in everyone( and if there isn't anything good.... pray for them)
I like to do this often when things aren't always going right in the day...
4. Look up scripture verses on kindness or whatever you might be struggling with and write them down in a notebook.
For me looking or writing down the Bible verse helps me to keep it in my mind.
Funny thing too, as I'm talking to my children about what it is that needs changing, I get convicted about that same offense and quickly remind myself I need to change that myself. :)
Funny how the Holy Spirit works huh? :)
Even though I'm writing this, I am far from where I need to be on this.. I am human after all :)
It helps to be reminded of kindness and what God wants us to do as believers.
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Till next time.. I think a recipe is in order for the next post:)
