Growing up, my parents taught me the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.” As a child, I didn’t know that this phrase came from the Bible and was taken straight from the Luke 6:31.

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus also tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Showing kindness can take practice. We are all human, so loving our neighbor with kindness does not always come naturally. A kind act, no matter how big or small, is a choice. 

Jesus gives us a wonderful example of kindness and compassion in His parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story a Jewish traveler is beaten, stripped of his clothing, and left for dead. Two other men pass by and avoid the man. Then comes the Samaritan. Samaritans and Jews did not like each other and would never associate with one another. Yet, this did not stop the Samaritan. He stopped to help the injured man. He helped the stranger, cleaned up his wounds and took him to the inn and made sure he was taken care of. Self-sacrifice and compassion demonstrated the Samaritan’s compassionate heart.

We all come into contact with people who are unkind, angry and judgemental. God calls us to love these people with kindness regardless of their actions. When we show kindness, we are sharing a Christ-like characteristic that God shows to each of us. I hope that when I show kindness to others they see my love for Jesus shining through.

Remember, kindness is no small thing. It can dramatically change our own lives and the lives of those around us.

Today: Pause to smile, encourage, and show kindness to those who cross your path.