Despite the many souls with caring hearts who seek out opportunities to help their fellow man, sadly, there is a growing absence of simple, plain old human kindness. And because of this absence, the world continues to sink further and further into despair as man focuses inward instead of outward. For some, unless there is something to be gained, his fellow man is of no use, while the treasured few look upon the plights of others with charity, which is the pure love of Christ, and they spring into action to help. We see the evidence of those precious souls in the humanitarian aid given to the victims of hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters occurring here and around the world.
But those are the big things. What about the small everyday things? What about differing opinions and views on current events and controversial subjects? What about differing religious beliefs? Just because we don't agree doesn't mean we can't still be kind to one another. We are always going to see others who believe differently, but they believe what they believe, just as you believe what you believe. We just need to know that the Savior will be the judge of all things and it is not our place, thank goodness! I don't know about you, but I DO NOT want that job!
There are also going to be those who choose to live in a way that we don't agree with - and if you are a parent, sometimes these choices will break our hearts because they go against all we have taught them (Believe me, I've been there in a major way,) but again, the Lord will be their judge. Our job is to love, NOT CONDONE OR ACCEPT THEIR ACTIONS AS RIGHT, but love them, be their guide, and shower them with kindness, as far as they will allow.
I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but what about simple discussions on social media? These days, unkindness at the electronic keyboard abounds over various things, including subjects relating to God and religious beliefs and teachings. Whenever this happens, no matter who is right or which opinion is most right, the harsh words, accusations and judgements drive the spirit of the Lord away quicker than we can blink. Because of this, in many cases, instead of using social media as a weapon of the Lord, it becomes a tool of Satan. And that tool is growing sharper by the day.
I love this life, and I love the knowledge of my place in this world. We all have a purpose, and we have all been gifted with the light of Christ. When we are mean, cruel, vindictive, angry, and allow those - as well as other emotions - to drive us to spew words of harshness and dole out unkind acts, we smother that light a little at a time until one day, there is only a tiny wisp of a spark left, and if we don't bring in good material to kindle it, it will go out.
I pray that we will all let kindness reign in our minds and hearts, in our words and deeds, that the light of Christ within us will illuminate the straight and narrow path ahead of us that leads back to the Father of us all.
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