Love & Kindness
What the world needs now is Love, Sweet Love...You know the rest. But seriously. The world really does need more LOVE & KINDNESS. We are currently in a state of anger, hostility, lies, and hate. Or at least that is what we are shown on a daily basis.
If you keep up with current events and social media, it seems as though the world has gone to hell in a handbasket. And maybe it has. You might wonder, what if anything can be done to change the attitude that people have toward one another these days. I’ll tell you: Love & Kindness.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr. Minister & Civil Rights Activist
Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best in the above quote. We cannot rid the world of hate by giving hate in return. We can only begin to soften people’s hearts with love and kindness. It really can change the world.
Real-Life Expressions of Love & Kindness
Have you ever had an experience where you were you were engaging with someone who was angry or in a bad mood and your first reaction was to engage in a hostile manner back to them? That is our typical response. But I challenge you to respond with Love and Kindness the next time this happens.
Instead of shouting back, find a way to be kind and gentle in your speech and actions. Often times this action can de-escalate the situation and even calm the other person down.
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
-Psalm 15:1 Old testament NIV of the holy bible
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Studies have shown that by you engaging in acts of Love & Kindness towards others, even if it feels strange at first, it not only softens the heart of the other person but your heart as well. It has numerous positive effects on you personally.
For example, kindness can:
- Increase self-esteem and optimism
- Increase energy level
- Increase happiness
- Increase your lifespan
- Increase serotonin production (the feel-good chemical in the brain)
Who doesn’t want all of that? So go ahead and do something kind for others. It could be by doing a random act of kindness, or by simply showing grace towards someone when they mess up, say something hurtful, or when they disappoint you.
Look For Ways to Be Kind
As you go out into the world today, look for those who could use a little kindness or grace. By speaking a kind word or by doing something nice for them, you have the opportunity to change that person’s day. Be the light in a dark world.
Do you remember this little boy? He simply saw a classmate crying and having a rough start to his day.
What did he do? He held his classmate’s hand and walked with him. So very simple yet so very powerful.
photo credit: facebook
Often times we need to learn life’s most important lessons from children.
Who will you show kindness to today?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Mattew 5:8 NIV Bible
Getting Through the Tough Times & How to Find the Good
Thanks for the reminder about considering those around us that we interact with. Love the use of an introductory quote from Martin Luther King!
http://www.franglais27tales.com
I do a love and kindness meditation everyday. It’s really helpful that all of us need love and kindness!
That’s fabulous!
I love this! We need to be kind to those around us, sometimes we forget to do so. This is a great reminder
The world is always in need of more love and kindness, especially as battle lines are being drawn between groups based on insignificant differences like faith and skin colour. Life is already hard enough, there’s no reason to make it harder
I agree completely.
This is so profound, and something I ask God to help me with everyday because I don’t want to love sometimes!
Thank you for bringing this home.
Love this reminder to practice kindness as our Savior has taught us!
Yes without love we are nothing – thanks for this reminder!