As we start this new day after Christmas, let’s start it with kindness! For example, let’s be the ones who start today with gentleness and compassion towards others, especially our wives and kids. Today leave negativity with more negativity somewhere else, out of sight and out of mind.
Don’t retaliate! As a result, choose to show kindness instead, be excessively kind, rendering the other person powerless to inflict hurt or pain.
Show Biblical Kindness:
‘If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire upon his head, And the Lord will reward you. ‘
Proverbs 25:21-22
Ever considered what this means?
From a biblical standpoint, these verses stress responding to enemies with kindness, not revenge. By meeting their needs, we show love and align with Jesus’ teachings of forgiveness. His emphasis on love extends even to adversaries.
The phrase “heap burning coals on his head” is metaphorical and can be interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a way of bringing conviction or remorse to the enemy, prompting them to reflect on their actions. Others interpret it as a means of overcoming evil with kindness, as the act of responding in love may lead the enemy to feel a sense of shame or conviction.
Overall, Proverbs 25:21-22 encourages believers to respond to hostility with love and kindness, trusting in God to bring about justice and rewarding those who choose the path of love and forgiveness.
Today’s Verse of the Day:
He who is gracious and lends a hand to the poor lends to the LORD, And the LORD will repay him for his good deed.
Proverbs 19:17 AMP
Kindness to the Poor:
Firstly, let’s be the dads who look to be kind to everyone, starting in our homes with our wives and kids and then to everyone we encounter on this journey called life. Secondly, let’s be the dads who show kindness to the poor by being gracious and lending a hand to the poor. Therefore, let’s trust God as our provider as His Word says that He gives us seeds to sow and bread to eat and make sure we give to the poor without expectations and by trusting God as our ultimate provider to meet our needs too.
How can we put today’s verse of the day into practice and choose to live lives of kindness that will meet the needs of our wives and kids? What can we take from it that will help us live up to the calling of God to be the dads our wives and kids need to the praise, honor, and glory of God!
Applications of Proverbs 19:17 that can help us live up to the higher calling God has put on our lives:
- Be Gracious: Approach others, including your wife and kids, with grace and kindness. Let your interactions be characterized by a spirit of generosity.
- Lend a Hand: Actively seek opportunities to help and support your family members. Whether it’s assisting with chores, offering emotional support, or being present in their lives, extend a helping hand.
- Be Attentive to Needs: Pay attention to the needs of your wife and children. This includes both tangible and emotional needs. Show empathy and understanding.
- Prioritize Family: Make intentional efforts to prioritize your family’s well-being. This involves spending quality time with them, actively participating in their lives, and demonstrating your commitment to their welfare.
- Teach Generosity: Model and teach generosity to your children. Help them understand the importance of helping others and being kind-hearted.
- Trust God’s Provision: Trust in God’s provision for your family. By being generous to others, you are expressing faith in God as your ultimate provider.
- Give Without Expectations: Be selfless in your acts of kindness. Give without expecting anything in return, trusting that God sees your heart and will reward your good deeds.
- Seek Opportunities for Charity: Look for opportunities to extend kindness beyond your family. Engage in acts of charity and support those in need in your community.
- Foster a Positive Atmosphere: Create a home environment where kindness and generosity flourish. Let your family members feel loved, valued, and supported.
- Pray for Guidance: Seek God’s guidance in your role as a father. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the strength to live out the principles of kindness outlined in Proverbs 19:17.
Kindness as a way of life
Remember, living a life of kindness is a continuous journey, and by applying these principles consistently, you contribute to building a loving and supportive family grounded in biblical values.
