I take the words of Proverbs 12:25 seriously. It says,
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” (ESV)
I love to see smiles when I interact with people. I like to think those smiles mean that whatever I’ve said cheered up the person in front of me.
Why am I doing this?
I know how an encouraging word and a listening ear have lifted me up and given me courage to move forward. So I try to do the same for others. Whenever I go out in public. I make small talk with clerks, make a friendly joke with the dentist receptionist, wave at the guard at our neighborhood gate, say thank you to delivery people, and ask tax office waiting room row mates how their day is going.
I try. That’s my intent, at least. I have my grumpy days too where the best thing I can do for anyone is to keep my mouth shut.
I also have my “full of myself days.” Occasionally I need an attitude check. Why am I doing this? So people will see Jesus in me or so people will think Karen Wingate is a kind, sweet, caring, and joyful person?
Good Words for Jesus
Reputation is a nice thing. We do want others to see us as “nice” people. Deep down though, I do want people to see Jesus in me. Even there, the self-doubt creeps in. Could I do more to give that good word that promotes Jesus without blasting them with the five minute version of the plan of salvation?
But a smile or a sincere “How are you?” seems so trivial, you might think. Nice people do that munch. I want to believe others will see Jesus in me in the way I treat them, and how I act and react in comparison to others. But let’s be honest. If I’m friendly and kind to a clerk once, it’s not likely they will think, “She is such a nice person. She must be a Christian. I want the joy and peace she has. I want Jesus too!” And then they’ll run after me and my shopping cart, yelling. “Tell me how to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, woman!”
In my dreams.
Accepting Jesus is not as easy as a psychological stimulus response mouse maze.
Why reach out to store clerks and strangers in waiting rooms?
The Bible tells us to.
Check out Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13 and 1 Corinthians 13:4.
We are one of many.
Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. You don’t know who has come before or behind you to speak into that individual’s life and how God is using all those actions to draw that person toward the saving gospel message. Because it’s a composite of God’s people pouring love into their lives, Jesus gets the ultimate credit and that’s what we want.
Other Christians need a good word too.
Your concern for them will strengthen them to live righteously and do the work God has called them to do. They’ll see your confidence in Christ and think, “If she can do it, so can I.”
Character is built out of many actions.
Being kind is made up of doing many good deeds. Those who know us are watching every time we engage with others. Our children, spouses, siblings, and neighbors. The store clerk or restaurant server who sees us frequently. They are the ones most influenced by our consistent efforts to be kind and caring. Jack has learned to settle in his chair and wait out my exuberant chit chat with my newfound friend in a waiting room—and to pray for the direction of the conversation.
Caring for others is good for us.
Kindness invites us to think of others, not ourselves. Thinking of someone else turns the grumpiness into gratitude. It encourages us to put God’s agenda first before our own. Each act helps us cultivate the compassion of Christ in our own lives. And as we see the smiles and gratitude of those we serve, we are blessed in return.
You may never see the long-term results of your efforts to be compassionate to those you encounter throughout the moments of your day. Some people may misunderstand your motives or fail to acknowledge your efforts. They may still act angry and gruff. Don’t let it stop you. You are doing what God has called you to do, bystanders see your efforts, and you are planting seeds of good will in a world that so desperately needs it.
What’s a good word you can give to someone who needs to lift up their heads and smile again? Join the Good Word team and let’s make a difference in our world together.
More thoughts on kindness:
Kindness Rebuff: Why Wounded People Might Not Trust Your Good Will
Leave a Reply