Daily Nugget:
Previous Psalms reminded the hymn-singers of God’s great mercy and proved He is worthy of praise. However, this Psalm includes a description of Him mentioned in only two other Psalms (Psalm 31:26, 119:76) — His kindness.
Mercy is “tenderness of heart, which disposes a person to overlook injuries or to treat an offender better than he deserves” (Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828). Combined with “kindness,” we realize why God gives us His undeserved tenderness.” He gives us his mercy because of His goodwill. God does all He does, not because He has to, but because He has a “disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes…” (N. Webster).
God is kind, and if we want to be Christ-like, it would be to this society’s advantage if we also showed the kindness attribute more in our lives. We now live in a world that has drifted far away from being helpful and thoughtful to others. Today, most lifestyles are more in line with selfishness and what each individual thinks they “deserve” or want. Those attempting to emulate our Saviour would also be an inspiring, world-changing example if they, too, showed more kindness to their neighbors.
We should show this character in our everyday interactions with others.
- We do not have to be first in line. Sometimes, letting others go before us would be an act of kindness that others do not see often.
- Seeing one struggle with a heavy shopping load would be an excellent time to offer to help carry her groceries to her car.
- When an elderly neighbor has difficulty walking out to the end of the driveway to get her newspaper, it would be helpful to her if you brought it to that person.
- Watching children, without charge, for a busy mother so she has time to do an errand by herself would give her a break.
- Perhaps, when an upset person loses their temper, it would be kind if you just listened, smiled, and did not “bite their head off” in retaliation.
- If your spouse had a rough day, do a chore he/she would normally do without being asked.
Everyone has burdens to bear. At some time or other, all need a bit of kindness to lighten their load. You can do that for others. God, who certainly does not have to be so considerate, is nice to us. Why cannot we show benevolence to others?
Today’s Thought:
“Kindness has a way of being contagious.” — B. B.
Today’s Reading:
Psalm 117
1 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
