Showing posts with label kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kindness. Show all posts

Thursday 16 July 2020

Prayer to protect those who have nowhere else to lay their heads

 
 
We pray to the great Spiritual Power

God, please help others who are less fortunate then us
and protect those who have nowhere else to lay their heads.


Give me the strength to deal with the struggles that people face,
including me in trying to help.

Please show people that kindness and understanding is much better then hatefulness and greed.
Show us that hiding who we are or what we do affects everybody and that we have to really try harder to help them understand that.
 

 Forgive me for my sin's, Amen
 
 
It doesn't matter who you are
because you can only be honest and forthcoming.
If you tell somebody that it's okay that they do certain things that you know is wrong and do them anyway then you are inviting them to sin.
Remember to do what you know is right, don't make up excuses because that's what a sinner does.
Be gentle and kind and don't treat anybody with meanness.
-

Thursday 5 August 2010

Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience


"The best portion of a good man's life:
his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love."
- William Wordsworth


"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Colossians 3:12

Dear God,
please do give me insight,
and give that I can take on an attitude of unselfishness,
can bring up patience, gentlesness
and give my love to others.

Nederlandse versie / Dutch version > Kleed jezelf met compassie, zachtheid, vriendelijkheid, nederigheid, en geduld
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2013 update:
English: Portrait of William Wordsworth by Wil...
Portrait of William Wordsworth by William Shuter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Friday 29 January 2010

The first on the list of the concerns of the saint

 Love One Another

This should, of course, be first on the list of the concerns of the saint. And most of what has been said to this point is obviously related to love. But, as we near the conclusion of these matters, we must make a special effort to consider love once again.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

God is a jealous God. He demands all our love and attention. But because we love God the more, do we love our brethren less? Our love for God is different from our love for another person. If we truly love God, we will show our love for Him in practical expressions of love for others. True divine love does not exclude human love; rather, it enhances it.

Verses 4-7 above contain a dozen or so characteristics of Scriptural “love”. We shall consider each one in turn:

“Love is Patient”

We have the example of Christ, who patiently taught his disciples and time after time helped them when they stumbled and lacked faith. Undoubtedly there were times when he wanted to throw up his hands and abandon the effort altogether, for they were so slow to learn and so bent on maintaining their own natural affections. But he loved them dearly; he loved them despite their inadequacies; he prayed for them; and he persisted until his efforts began to bear fruit. Can we do any less for our brethren?

“Love is Kind”

This English word “kind” is one of those pale, sentimental words that just does no justice to the original. We should say, instead, that love is considerate ­ showing an active, involved concern for the needs of others, even to the detriment of one’s own comfort. We probably all think of ourselves as being “kind”, for we certainly are never “unkind”! Are we?

“If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?” (James 2:15,16).

There are times when a “kind word” is no more than hypocrisy, because it masks a failure to help in any practical way. Have we ever been guilty of such an act, in a benign, “friendly” indifference to the circumstances of others? Then we may have been courteous and civil and pleasant, but we have not been “kind” in the Scriptural sense, and we have not been loving.

“Love Does Not Envy”

The divergence of gifts among the Corinthians was a cause of envy. Likewise, envy can result today from comparisons between brethren: “Who is the better speaker?” “Why was he elected Arranging Brother?” “So-and-so wants to run everything. Who put him (or her) in charge?” The person who can ask such questions does not have at heart the best interests of the whole body.

Jealousy, or envy, is a terrible disease, and often fatal in the spiritual sense. It destroys its originator much more quickly than the one at whom it is directed.

“Love Does Not Boast ... is Not Proud”

Envy and boasting are quite closely related. They both stem from the same basic problem: love of self rather than love of others. True love does not have to be pushy. It does not need attention. It can afford to wait. Remember what Jesus said of the arrogant Pharisees ­ who did their works to be seen of men: “They already have their reward.” Let this not be said of us.

“Love is Not Rude”

Sometimes a gentle admonition or even a stern rebuke needs to be administered. It is possible to be in the right ­ even to say the right thing ­ but to say it in absolutely the wrong way. A criticism may be correct in every particular, but if it is delivered with a superior or proud or overbearing manner it will not achieve a good result. As always, the principle is consideration for others: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In short ... love.

“Love is Not Self-Seeking”

Have you ever participated in a three-legged race? You may be the fastest runner at the picnic, but you'll wind up sprawled on the grass unless you can adapt yourself to the style of your partner. This principle also holds true in the ecclesia. We are all members of the one body, and we must learn to function as a unit. We are “yoked together” with our brethren in many endeavors; we cannot always choose the way that pleases us most.

Your way of doing things may always be the best, but it won't always be the one chosen by the majority. Then what do you do? Go along or “drop out”? There have been cases of members leaving meetings because of absolutely trivial disagreements, in which they failed to get their own way and just could not bend enough to go along with others. And they, and sometimes their families, have paid for that stubbornness with twenty or thirty years of self-imposed isolation.

There is an extremely illuminating passage in this connection:

“For even Christ pleased not himself” (Rom. 15:3).

Just six little words, but a world of exhortation and self-examination. If even Christ did not please himself, who are we to think that things should always go our way? Who are we to please ourselves in everything?

“Love is Not Easily Angered”

A person possessing the true love of God has a peace of mind that no other has. In the midst of strife and controversy, he maintains a calm and reasoning mind, and a disposition to peacemaking. He has that same inner serenity that sustained Christ through his great trials.

A person in such a frame of mind cannot be offended by others. He is not provoked to backbiting or vengeance. He relies upon the grace of God, he knows that there is a final judgment that will right all wrongs, and he is not concerned about what man may do to him in the meanwhile. If God is for him, who can be against him?

“Love Delights Not in Evil, But in Truth”

If ever a thought might be coupled with “Let a man examine himself”, surely this is it! Don't we all do this? Don't we all listen to gossip and rumors and evil insinuations? Don't we all ­ sometimes ­ derive pleasure from the shortcomings of others, especially those who have previously appeared to be models of uprightness?

We judge ourselves by the standards of others, and when we do this we are glad to see them fall. We tend to think we are lifted up in proportion as our brother is cast down. But when we live by this standard we are completely corrupting Paul’s teachings of the unity of Christ’s body and the dependence of one member upon another. These lofty ideas lose their meaning when cooperation is replaced by competition.

“Love Always Protects”

We need go no further than Christ’s example. Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree, and more than that he bore our sorrows that he might be a perfect mediator.

The mind lingers on a picture, perhaps well-known to many. One boy with a younger one on his back. “He ain’t heavy. He’s my brother!” Strain is obviously there, but he bears his burden gladly. All things are relative, aren’t they? Yes, in more ways than one! We are willing to do for our families what seems intolerable if done for others.

Do we sit in the meeting on Sunday morning, and feel that those with whom we break bread are really our family? Or are our expressions of “Brother Smith” and “Sister Jones” merely a formal, stylized address? Let us live that family relationship of which the Bible speaks so often; let us rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Let us “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

“Love Always Hopes ... Always Perseveres”

The Christian’s life of love is a joyful existence. In the midst of sorrows and pains, he rejoices in the great gifts of the Creator.

His eye is firmly set upon the hope that rises as a mountain before him. There may be a valley to traverse before he reaches that distant peak. But he never takes his eye off that glorious future; and all life’s little annoyances and inconveniences are seen for what they are ­ stepping stones en route to the Kingdom. Paul says in another place:

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:12,13).

All that God has given us ­ riches, talents, intelligence, health ­ diminishes with the passing of time. Man grows old and dies. Only love remains, as a bridge between this life and the life to come, a bridge over the chasm of eternal nothingness. Every other gift or talent will fail, just as the Holy Spirit gifts finally ceased. The only thing that endures is the character of man, engraven in the infinite mind of God.

- Brother George Booker
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A New Creation
A Manual for New Christadelphians, Young Christadelphians, and Prospective Christadelphians Chapter 46


Dutch translation / Nederlandse vertaling > Het eerste op de lijst van de zorgen van de heilige

Thursday 17 December 2009

If there is bitterness in the heart


"If there is bitterness in the heart,
sugar in the mouth won't make life sweeter.
But God’s love makes the heart sweet,
And the mouth full of praise."
- Yiddish Proverb

"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because
it is of Jehovah’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,
because his compassions
never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:19-23

“Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God,
who keeps covenant and mercy,
let not all the trouble seem little before you,
that has come upon us, on our kings, on our princes,
and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all your people,
since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.”
Nehemia 9:32
Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Als er bitterheid in het hart is
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2013 update:
 
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Tuesday 15 December 2009

A man who cannot forgive others


"A man who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must cross.
Every man has need of forgiveness."
- Thomas Fuller

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Colossians 3:12-14

God, grant that I will always be forgiving.
and that I will always share my love to all.

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Een man die anderen niet kan vergeven

Monday 5 October 2009

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands


"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands
in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
if any comfort from his love,
if any fellowship with attitude,
if any tenderness and compassion,
then make my joy complete by being like-minded,
having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
Philippians 2:1-2

God, let me always make the right choices by challenges,
and let me continue to approach the others in tender compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > De ultieme maatregel van een man is niet waar hij staat

Wednesday 23 September 2009

When we love we do not need laws


If everyone would keep God's laws and would keep to love,
we would not to have civil laws who should remind us what we can and can not.
If we love God we know how we should live in harmony.
Where love has entered, there is no law necessary to focus.
- Marcus Ampe

We too often love things and use people
when we should be using things and loving people.
- Author Unknown

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The first duty of love is to listen.
- Paul Tillich

“Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:”
Proverbs 3:3

“Hatred stirreth up strifes; But love covereth all transgressions.”
Proverbs 10:12

“Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth [shall be to] them that devise good.”
Proverbs 14:22

God I am grateful for the love you give me
I ask You that I shall be able to give much love to others.


Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Wanneeer wij liefhebben is er geen nood aan wetten
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2013 update:
 
English: Dr. Martin Luther King giving his "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in Washington, D.C., on 28 August 1963. Español: Dr. Martin Luther King dando su discurso "Yo tengo un sueño" durante la Marcha sobre Washington por el trabajo y la libertad en Washington, D.C., 28 de agosto de 1963. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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Friday 4 September 2009

If you want to go far in life


"If you want to go far in life, be …
Tender with the young,
Compassionate with the aged,
Sympathetic with the striving,
Tolerant of the weak and the strong.
Because someday you will have been all of these."
- George Washington Carver

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers,
be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling,
but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."

1 Peter 3:8-9

God give that I can bring up patience for others
and can approach them with kindness.
Let me radiate the love of Christ.

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Spread love everywhere you go


"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house.
Give love to your children, to your wife or husband,
to a next door neighbor ...
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God's kindness;
kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes,
kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."
- Unknown

"Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man."
Proverbs 3:3-4

Your Words I want to instill into my heart
so that I can deform to your wishes.
Lord let my attitude be a picture of goodness,
frankness, kindness and unselfishness.


Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Verspreidt liefde overal waar naar je toe gaat
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2013 update:
 
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Monday 13 July 2009

Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair


"Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair,
but manifestations of strength and resolutions."
- Kahlil Gibran

"... Make every effort to add to your faith ...
and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,
they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive
in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Peter 1:5, 7, 8

Jehovah, let my faith be feeding with proper virtue,
knowledge and self-control -
and give that I can approach the people with gentleness and kindness.


Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Tederheid en vriendelijkheid zijn geen tekenen van zwakte en wanhoop
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2013 update:

2 Peter 3:13
2 Peter 3:13 (Photo credit: [Share the Word])
 
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Tuesday 7 July 2009

Be kinder than necessary


"Be kinder than necessary;
For everyone you meet is
Fighting some kind of battle."
James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937)

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,
put on a heart of compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience;
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other,
whoever has a complaint against anyone;
just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."
Colossians 3:12-13

Lord, make that I may be full of love
and look behind the shortcomings of others.


Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Wees liever dan noodzakelijk
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2013 update: 
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Monday 29 June 2009

The truest greatness lies in being kind


"The truest greatness lies in being kind,
the truest wisdom in a happy mind."
- Unknown

"A kindhearted woman gains respect,
but ruthless men gain only wealth."
Proverbs 11:16
God give that I always can remain humble and friendly
and that I may gain insight.
Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > De ware grootsheid ligt in het vriendelijk zijn

Thursday 30 April 2009

Kindness

Dutch version / Nederlands > Vriendelijkheid


"There is no exercise better for the heart
than reaching down and lifting people up."
- John Andrew Holmes

"… make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, Godliness;
and to Godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love."
2 Peter 1:5-7

"Constant kindness can accomplish much.
As the sun makes ice melt,
kindness causes misunderstanding,
mistrust, and hostility to evaporate."
- Albert Schweitzer

"He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8

Lord God, grant that I may be humble enough to help others.
Let me always do right and approach others with gentleness.
That I may be disarmingly friendly and constructive.

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2013 update:

Albert Schweitzer, Etching by Arthur William H...
Albert Schweitzer, Etching by Arthur William Heintzelman. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Wednesday 29 April 2009

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness



"Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness.
Know how to give without hesitation,
how to lose without regret,
how to acquire without meanness."
- George Sand

"But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23

Lord, make that I can give freely.
Let the result of the light in me be that I only do what is good.
That in my heart I can bear love always
and that I can bring up tender pity, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,
which may be a model for a Christian.


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