The last two months I wrote about the law and rules. The reason I did was to get to this month’s topic. Proverbs 31:26 in the New Living Translation states, “When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.” Can you believe it says, “Kindness is the rule”? I never thought of kindness being the rule!

It is a rule to be kind.

Which means, it is a law, a command, a regulation, an order, a requirement. How much do we abide by this law, especially with our spouses, family, and those we are most familiar with? Many times we put our guard down with people we are accustomed to being around

Think about it….who do you snap at, make a snide remark to, get a bad attitude with, say something you wished you didn’t to….? Why do we react this way to those we say we love? There are a number of reasons, but one of the main causes is because of familiarity. Most of us make unkind remarks to the one we pledged our love to, roommates, our children, parents, and friends. It is pretty ironic. When we become comfortable with one another, it is easy to do. With your partner, you know everything about them. You are aware of all of their little idiosyncrasies, some of which can be quite annoying. There is NOTHING hidden.

What happens is if we are having a bad day and we choose not to believe what the Word of God says about us? We allow those irritating mannerisms to get under the skin. Then, before we know it, we say something we wish we did not utter. Funny thing about words is that once they are spoken, they are in the atmosphere. They are a force that continues on.

Sometimes, we do not speak out what we are thinking, but our actions speak louder than any words. Exhibiting a bad attitude without speech is just like speaking…it may even be worse. At least once a word has been spoken, it is out and can be dealt with. The cold shoulder, putting up a wall, not speaking to someone, withholding affection….is uncalled for and unkind.

What do we do about it?

Meditating and acting on God’s Word is always the answer. Kindness is one of the fruits of God’s Spirit. It has to be developed. Our actions unfailingly proceed from our thoughts. We must deliberately ponder on what it means to be kind. As we do, we will get a picture of it and act accordingly.

What does it mean to be kind?

Some synonyms are – good, gentle, considerate, loving, tenderhearted, warm-hearted, unselfish, thoughtful, and benevolent. Rude, disrespectful, uncaring, indiscreet, and indelicate are a few antonyms. Allow these words to be the gauge. Meditate on the synonyms. Watch people who display  kindness. There are more synonyms. Discover what they are, then look up the definitions of the synonyms. This will create a lovely picture in your mind and give you the thoughts and feelings of someone who is kind.

Of course, the most important thing to consider
is knowing what God says about kindness.

Since it is a fruit of the spirit, being kind is part of our character. We already have the ability to be kind. The more we exercise our senses according to kindness, the more we will display it. This month’s confession will help you in your quest to allow Kindness to be the Rule.