Kindness

"Be kind to one another,  tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Kindness is love in action.
I have known some kind people in my life ... and have known some that were not kind. Yes, kindness makes you likeable. It makes others want to be with you. 
I think of Granny McCoy ... JoAnn Frosch ... Odell Tarpley ... kind and gentle women - rock hard in their faith.

KINDNESS= benevolence, humanity,  generosity, charity, sympathy, compassion, tenderness

"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3-4

Kindness is broken down into 4 basic ingredients ...
Gentleness.
Not severe, rough, or violent. Mild. Moderate. To tame. Calm. Pacify. Soothing. Tender. Humane. Merciful. Absence of bad temper. Deliberate forbearance in dealing with others.  Submissive spirit, undue submission in the face of insult or injustice. Noble.  Courteous.
Helpfulness.
Useful. Convenient.  Beneficial. Giving aid or assistance. "At your service." 
Willingness.
Consenting. Inclined.  Ready. Cheerful readiness. Done or given freely. Voluntarily.
Initiative.
Leading to action.  Enterprise. Responsible decision. Readiness in
action. Leadership. Forcefulness.  That which begins.
 
**One of  the hardest statements in this day's reading is: Kindness graces a wife  with the ability to serve her husband without worrying about her rights.
This applies not just to my heart and life as a wife - but in all areas.
This is one (of many) of  my weaknesses. ~sigh~ I will serve without thought ... TO A POINT.
After that  point, I will continue to serve, but more with a grudging attitude (not always  spoken, but sadly, not always quiet either).
"Why do I have to be the one to  cook or clean or serve or ...? I am tired too!"
Or "I want to watch TV, too" ... 
"I want to sit down and rest a while" ...
"I want to sit down and just visit"  ...
"I want ..."

I heard it said  once that if we hear ourselves say "I" more than "we" or "us" or "Christ" then we have our priorities wrong. This life is not about "I". When will "I" learn that???
"I" want to be so hid in Christ that when others look at me they ONLY see Christ!
Galatians 2:20 ... "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live ..."
*O Lord, help me!!!*

"She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26
When I open my mouth - what does God hear? What does my husband hear? My children, grandchildren? What does anyone hear?
What are others learning from me? Do I really teach kindness? Kindness is not taught in words, but in deeds. How  have I been "caught" in the act of kindness today?

TODAY'S CHALLENGE ---
In addition to saying nothing negative, do at least  one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness. 

O Father God - you have been kind to me. Teach me,  train me, in kindness. Help me to be kind. Help me to open my heart, my mind, my  eyes - to see the opportunities that surround me to be KIND.