Encouragement

KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS

by Debbie Kennedy
10/31/20
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Perhaps you have heard the phrase “you’re killing me”? Now, settle down, this does not pertain to guns.  People may exclaim this phrase in humor – that is hilarious, “you’re killing me”!  It can be used in exasperation – “Ugh, more paperwork on my desk? “you’re killing me”. It could be potentially used in frustration as well – “you’re killing me”, why do I have to answer all these questions?  I am not sure why this phrase channeled through my mind, but I did not kick it out too quickly. In fact, I found it interesting on its timing.  Hmmm…… my spirit sensed a probe. The order – “You are killing me” to then,” you are blessing me.” This is good. Lots of thoughts – think deep, who or what is killing you right now?

This summer I walked with a dear friend of mine and carried on a lengthy conversation about our mentors in our lives, especially those who helped shape us in our young adult life. Special people impact lives – life impactors! After I spoke about a couple of my mentors from my past to present, I gave my friend the opportunity to share. She shared with me that it was her grandma “Betty” that gave her the best life advice. This warmed my heart. My husband and I are grandparents. I know the beautiful experience of being a young grandmother to three grandbabies. I adore and love them dearly.

What really refreshed me though is the advice that she shared given to her by her grandmother - a simple word phrase “kill them with kindness”. She explained that this is the phrase that stuck with her from her younger years.  Whenever she shared with her grandmother that someone had been unpleasant at work or elsewhere, that her grandmother would often remind her to simply – “kill them with kindness”.  Oh, thank those saints who made you better!

We all understand as humans that it is more of a challenge to practice on those who are not kind to us.  We will not want to do it or feel like doing it! To be honest, we all have the potential to lash out and act unkindly on occasion, don’t we? When we experience offensive comments, we have tendencies that want to give them a piece of our minds – “kill them with a comeback of what we think they need to hear.”  Uncertainties and troubling times can add extra stress to our lives. It is during these times that we are more prone to react with our mouths, without thinking. I am certain we would all agree that this year has been a great tester for each of us- our world, in chaos.   Acts of kindness are not automatic, they are intentionally practiced.

The way we speak to others has been heavy on my heart lately and I have prayed for myself and all of humanity as we journey through unprecedented times. I have heard a few of my own snarky remarks as well as a whole lot of other people voice unkind attacks as well. It is ugly. Our tongues can bless or curse. The choice is ours. James 3:8 reminds us that no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil.  Yet, with the Lord’s help and His pure wisdom, He can help us learn to tame it more and more.  A great 10 second pause before we respond is a great place to start. Lord, Jesus, help us “kill them with YOUR kindness”.   You win us with love, mercy, grace and kindness.  May YOU draw them through us by our actions that are kind. We seek YOU, adore YOU and praise YOU. Amen

May your heart be stirred, as is mine, by the beautiful recorded words of Jesus found in Luke 6: 27- 36 (The Message ) - “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit – for – tat. Live generously. Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior, ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run – of – the mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden – variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that is charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You will never – I promise – regret it. Live out this God created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we are at our worst. Our Father is KIND; you be KIND

**Blessings to each of you!

 Colossians 3:12 - So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy and well-beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.