Be kind

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Ephesians 4:32

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

Luke 6

Kindness is a rare thing.  

In our culture and world today it's every man for himself, if you don't take care of yourself who will?

But in this culture there is a rare gem that is hard to find, yet precious even today.  It's the rare gift of kindness...a grace to a harsh person, a mercy to the weary, a sweet word to the discouraged.

It's rare, but that makes it even more precious.  And, believe it or not it's a treasure each of us possesses and can give to another.

Yesterday I sat with a dear man finishing his life as he battles Alzheimers. He is far along in the disease, but he is still present at times. Yesterday he was here, but his usual happy disposition was now tearful, a bit anxious.  I felt so bad for him.

I sat with him, comforted him, stroked his furrowed brow and gave him that rare gem of kindness.  To be honest it didn't cost me anything to share, but it calmed this dear man's troubled heart. 

I wonder, in eternity, how God values that rare gift given to another?  

Be kind.  It's so easy, free to give, but priceless to the one who receives it.