Joyful-Echoes

The Strength of Kindness

Kindness is one of the most powerful things we can give to another human being, and it costs us nothing.

Yet we don’t always feel like being kind. People can frustrate us, hurt us, misunderstand us, or even take advantage of our goodness. In those moments, kindness can feel like weakness. But it is not weakness at all. Kindness is strength.

It takes strength to stay gentle when you are angry. It takes strength to respond with grace when someone is speaking harshly to you. Sometimes the most powerful response in an argument is to answer with kindness and simply see what happens.

Galatians 5:22 reminds us that kindness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God has forgiven us. Kindness is not just a personality trait; it is a spiritual quality that reflects God’s heart.

There is something deeply attractive about a kind person. It does not matter their age, appearance, or status. Kindness gives a quiet beauty that people can feel. It makes others feel safe, valued, and seen. Everyone loves someone who is kind.

Kindness is more than a word. It is action. It shows up in patience, forgiveness, gentleness, generosity, and thoughtful responses. It is choosing words that build up instead of tear down. It is being tender-hearted in a world that often feels harsh.

Kindness outlives everything else. Beauty fades, strength changes, and circumstances shift, but kindness leaves a lasting legacy. It is what makes grandparents cherished, friendships deep, and families feel like home. It is what children remember and what strangers never forget.

We do not have to be perfect to be kind. We just have to be willing. Some days we will be tired. Some days we will be hurting. Some days people will test every ounce of patience we have. Those are the days kindness matters most.

Kindness does not mean ignoring truth or allowing mistreatment. It means responding with grace, wisdom, and love even when it would be easier to respond with anger. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts instead of hardening them.

Ask yourself: Am I known as a kind person? Do my words give grace to those who hear them? Am I tender-hearted and forgiving the way God forgave me?

The world does not just need more opinions. It needs more kindness. One kind response can calm anger. One kind word can change someone’s entire day. One kind heart can reflect the love of Christ more than a thousand arguments ever could.

So even when it is hard, choose kindness. Even when you are tired, choose kindness. Even when people do not deserve it, choose kindness. Not because they earned it, but because God shows kindness to us every single day.

People Are Like Hourglasses

People can be like hourglasses. For a season, the love feels steady and full, but over time the sand slowly slips away. Sometimes it runs out far sooner than we ever expected or hoped. Relationships change, priorities shift, and human love can come with conditions, expectations, and limitations. That reality can hurt, especially when we have given our whole heart.

But Jesus’ love is not like that.

His love is unconditional and never-ending. It does not run out, fade away, or depend on how well we perform. Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross so that we could be forgiven of every sin and live in grace. That kind of love is eternal—steady, faithful, and always present.

While human love may ebb and flow, God’s love remains constant. He does not place stipulations on His grace or walk away when we fall short. He stays. He forgives. He restores.

So when people disappoint you or seasons of love come and go, remember this truth: God’s love for you is forever. Don’t take that for granted. Hold onto it, rest in it, and let it remind you that you are never unloved and never alone.

As we step into a new week, let us pause and be grateful. Some of us may be forced to stay home due to the weather, while others must head out because we are virtual responders or essential workers. Wherever you find yourself, please take the time to stay safe.

Try not to see today as something you have to do, but as something you are blessed to do. Each morning you wake up is a gift. Whatever you do tomorrow, do it for the Lord. Whether you are working, going to school, or staying home, show gratitude that you woke up today.

Remember, it is easy to be unhappy, and it is just as easy to choose joy. Happiness often begins with gratitude. Please choose happy.

May your week be filled with peace, protection, and blessings.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up everyone facing severe weather across the South, the Midwest, and the North. Lord, we pray especially for areas experiencing snowfall they have never seen before—where inches have turned into feet. Please place Your hand of protection over every family, every traveler, every first responder, and every community.

We also pray for those who are not battling severe weather at this time. Lord, keep them safe as well, with hearts full of gratitude, peace, and joy. Help them to appreciate the calm, to enjoy their day, and to be mindful of those who are struggling.

Grant safety, warmth, wisdom, and provision to all. Calm the storms, strengthen those who must work through them, and bring peace to those sheltering at home.

Lord, please keep everyone safe.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.