Thoughtful Kindness

I Chronicles 19:2 David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.”

Here is kind David once again showing kindness to someone because of kindness shown to him.

But here we see that it took “thought” on David’s part before he showed kindness.

It’s easy to be the recipient of kindness, say our “thank you,” and move on.  We even look back fondly on the kindness of a stranger, a friend, or a co-worker who picks up something we dropped, calls to check on us, or offers us one of their sick days.  We are truly grateful and thankful, but after a while we sometimes forget.

It takes thought and effort on our part to reciprocate the kindness of others.

I think there’s nothing more sad to forget the kindnesses shown to us, especially when we are confronted with a similar situation.  For example, if a friend offers us a ride when our car is broken down, how sad it would be if when given the opportunity to bless them, we forget and ignore their need.

Kindness doesn’t just happen, and it’s not just an emotion of good will.  It requires action on our part. 

Who has been kind to you today?  Think about how you can show kindness to that family in some small, or big, way.