“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit,” Proverbs 15:4 ESV. Kindness is one of the principle characteristics of a spirit-controlled life. Kindness activates love, forgiveness, tenderheartedness, patience, and a host of other godly virtues. Kindness and forbearance are both listed as “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22 and should be our constant guide while passing through times of turmoil, anger, disagreement, and uproars. Kindness is a forethought, not a reaction. I often feel angry reactions pop up like burnt toast within me, but I have learned the critical importance of bathing my reactions with patience and kindness, especially in those moments. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:32 NKJV. LORD grant me fresh grace today to be kind in all I say and do. And help my neighbors, friends, family, and nation be kind.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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