Don’t overthink it
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (Proverbs 11:25 KJV)
The Bible says those who sow sparingly will reap also sparingly, but those who sow bountifully will reap bountifully. In the apostle Paul’s time, fields were typically planted liberally, with the expectation that not all of the seeds sown would take root or mature, but if enough were sown, there would be a harvest.
I’m learning that kindness is not a matter of accuracy. When it comes to kindness, don’t overthink it. Reach out, don’t expect something in return, just foster the habit of kindness. Kindness isn’t always convenient. You have to leave room in your life for it. You have to consciously slow down and notice.
My husband always carries a multi-tool. I’ve seen him use it to help someone open a box, screw back in a cupboard door, pull out a splinter, and a thousand other things. He’s so good at seeing those little needs and assisting with them. I don’t have a multi-tool—and even if I did, chances are I wouldn’t be too great at using it—but I have other ways to show love, like listening to people or connecting them to a resource.
None of us are incapable of showing some kindness, even if it’s only by offering respect and dignity to those around us, remembering that we are all made in God’s image. [1]
Kind words, kind looks, kind acts and warm handshakes, these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting their unseen battles. - John Hall
[1] Activated Cast a Wide Net
