“What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.”
The Hebrew word used for unfailing love is ‘chested’, literally meaning mercy. In this context unfailing love is pretty good but kindness is even better. The contrast in the original might be better written as a poor man’s desire to show mercy and kindness is better than the man of wealth pretending compassion and claiming to be unable to show mercy. Since early this year God has impressed on me the power and necessity for kindness. It doesn’t take an in-depth glance at the world to realize there is an overwhelming need for kind people and kind acts. I recently ordered a sweatshirt with thi saying across the front, “Everyone you meet today is going through a battle that you know nothing about. Be Kind.”. I love that even though I will probably never wear it in public. They actually sent me two. Wasn’t that kind? Another one I’ve really wanted to get says, “Be Kind. It’s really not that hard.” Those are both powerful statements. And true! There are so many hurting people in the world including in our daily encounters. If we knew some of their stories it would break our hearts. I’ve found myself almost paralyzed by sadness as I learn of some. God gifted His followers with the powerful gift of kindness. Today practice it in abundance. #BeTheEdge
“But the fruit of the Spirit is..kindness…” Galatians 5:22 NIV
