Don’t respond in kind, be kind

How do you respond when you’re stabbed in the back?
When someone lashes out at you?
When someone takes advantage of you?
When someone yells at you?

Most people behave in an expected way.
They respond in kind.

A stab for a stab.
A yell for a yell.

It’s so reflexive in people, which makes it so common.

But what does the Word say?

Be kind.

You might think, well, I don’t feel like being kind in those moments.
You might think, kindness is those moments feels like weakness.

Kindness is actually the strongest thing you can do.

Why?

Because kindness will cut people down, who are unjust against you.

What?

Yes, the Bible tells us this:
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” -Romans 12:20

By responding with kindness you are making the other person feel heaps of shame.

You aren’t playing their game, you’re letting them feel shame and conviction.

Being kind to those who don’t deserve it, feels counterintuitive, but it’s Biblical, and it lets those who unjustly come against you, defeat themselves.

It keeps you emotionally sound, while making them an emotional wreck.

That’s that power of kindness.
It builds people up, it has a positive ripple effect, but it also cuts people down through their own shame (who deserve it).

Keep that in mind the next time someone is unjust, unfair or abrasive towards you.
Kindness is strength.

-Steinar


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