Proverbs 20:3 says, “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor.” If you want God to honor you, if you want to enjoy your life, be a peacemaker. Be the kind of person who avoids an unnecessary fight.
I challenge you today to do something good for the poor. Find someone with a true financial need and assist that person in some way today. Help an orphan or a widow. Don't just help a friend or family member, give to someone who can do nothing for you in return.
Don't give to be seen by men, but to glorify your Father in heaven. Help others not so that you will be rewarded, but so that God will be praised.
Be generous with your generosity to others. Whether in word, deed, action, or object, gift others often. Yes, it's true some people will be more grateful than others. But we really shouldn't be giving solely to have someone indebted towards us.
We all have a nemesis, or perhaps a not-so-favorite person. Instead of avoiding them or being short with them, give them a compliment or simply say something nice. In other words, be a light!
Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. (NLT) -Luke 6:30
As much as we should desire to be kind and giving, sometimes it can be difficult to do so in our current culture. We want to be good but don't want to be taken advantage of.
There's always someone smarter than you and richer than you. Yet when we find ourselves around someone who is less capable, pride can get in the way. Treat those who are not as fortunate as you with respect, just like you would want to be treated from those who have more resources than you.
Do you ever find yourself conversing with someone and you walk away very drained? While it's never fun to be in that situation, it is a good reminder to make sure our own words do not drain others.
Today, ask the Lord to give you creative ways to encourage those around you. As you sow seeds of encouragement and bring out the best in others, God will send people along your path that will build you up, too. Keep showing kindness so you can move forward into the blessing and freedom He has for you!