Law of Kindness
Today’s Verse:
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. ~Proverbs 31:26
On page two of the December 1989 edition of Bits and Pieces, it tells the following story: Mamie Adams always went to a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. One year, she went there to buy stamps just before Christmas, and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line because there was a stamp machine in the lobby. “I know,” said Mamie, “but the machine won’t ask me about my arthritis.” Mamie Adams was saying that she was touched by the kindness of those who waited on her.
We see the meaning.
Solomon refers to the law of kindness. In the Bible, whenever a principle of life is preceded by the words “law of,” it is referring to an unchangeable mandate. A law is a rule, requirement, or conduct of life that we follow. We see the law of the offerings, the law of the Nazarite, the law of truth, the law of sin and death, the law of faith, and the perfect law of liberty. Thus, the law of kindness tells us that the rule by which we are to deal with our family, friends, and people as a whole is in the spirit of kindness. It encompasses much more than just being nice to people. It is being helpful, generous, inspiring, encouraging, merciful, gracious, and tenderhearted. It is giving, even when nothing is given back to you. It is the spirit of the Good Samaritan, who stopped on a dangerous road and helped a wounded man with medical help, lodging, food, water, and his recovery. Would the people who know you describe you as someone who is altogether kind?
We see the methods.
Solomon said that in this woman’s mouth was the law of kindness. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. No one was ever worse off from a kind word spoken to them. We must exercise kindness when we answer another person, even when he has been harsh to us. “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” Words of kindness are helpful, positive, forgiving, grateful, and comforting. There are the works of kindness. This includes being helpful, doing something for another person even when you are not asked to do so, making a meal for someone who is suffering, visiting someone who is ill, and giving a simple gift to express your thoughtfulness. We live in a day of self-service, and we have forgotten how meaningful works of kindness are. Were you kind to your parents, your spouse, your children, your fellow employees, a fellow commuter, or a clerk at a check stand today?
We see the merchandise.
Kindness is often repaid with kindness. Kindness makes you stand out as someone who is above the crowd. Kindness makes friends quickly. Kindness is infectious. Those you are kind to will tend to be kinder to others. Kindness brands you as a caring and pleasant person. You are deemed an encourager and burden bearer. Those you are kind to will be the first to help you in your time of need, to carry your burden when you are laden down, and to respond to you when you are in need of kindness.
Let the law of kindness be the rule of your attitude and how you deal with people. Don’t participate in acts of unkindness or be associated with someone who is unkind. I’m reminded of the children’s program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His theme song was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Be someone kind, nice, and gracious today.
Have a kind God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 45-48