Sometimes I wish there was such a thing as a kindness filter. You know…a filter you could turn on which would cut out all the other stuff. It would filter out the hatred and meanness, the backbiting and stone throwing. It would be great to have not only on TV and on social media, but also in person. Think about how difficult it is to scroll through your social media account and find anything kind or loving. It is a real challenge. I spend more time shaking my head and rolling my eyes than anything. To find anything kind means I have to go through the other mess too. And in person – the kindness filter would just stop the hateful conversations. We could find ourselves exiting from those who have no interest in a real conversation but only talk so they feel better about their own views rather than hearing others. All of that would be cut out with the kindness filter.
Ok – I know this is a bit farfetched. I get it. I know it is not actually going to happen like that. But it doesn’t mean I can’t dream. And it also doesn’t mean I can’t do my part. Instead of looking for others to be kind, I can be kind. Instead of trying to find real conversations, I can initiate real conversations. Rather than scrolling through the heap of hatred, I can be the one that shares the love of Christ.
How about you? Will you be a kindness filter for others? Will you offer words of hope and love? Will you shine bright with God’s light in a world that is so filled with conflict and hatred? May we be the kindness others are seeking today – and may it begin with me.
Focus Scripture:
Galatians 5:22-23
22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
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SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 