Personal Benefits

For Thursday, July 28, 2005
Proverbs 11:17

A man who is kind benefits himself,
but a cruel man hurts himself.

What typically happens when you do a kind deed? You hold the elevator door open instead of letting it close on the person walking to it; you let the driver pull in front of you in heavy traffic; you help your colleague complete a task, carry the bag for your neighbor. Usually such kind deeds earn a smile and a thank you. What happens to you then? You smile and feel happy. Your kindness benefits you with well-being. Your day becomes more enjoyable; you feel contented; and all because of being kind.

But the person who shuts the door, refuses to let anyone in front of him, and begrudges giving help harms his well-being. His day is a chore to get through; it is filled with stress as he fights for his own advantage; he has tension with his neighbors and colleagues. His cruel acts are actually hits against himself.

Do you want to enjoy today? Start off with acts of kindness. Do you want to mature in your faith and sanctification? Show kindness. Do you want to grow closer to God? Be kind to your neighbor. For such kindness was shown to us by God through the greatest kind act of all – sending his Son to redeem us.