Be Kinder than Necessary

I recently posted this quote on my Facebook page: "Be kinder than necessary, everyone you know is fighting some kind of battle." I like this saying because it is so very true. You never know what someone is dealing with. It just got me thinking about how if I truly lived by this motto, how different I would interact with people. Instead of getting aggravated at a rude drive thru window cashier, I should always remember that I never know what she is going through at home and the circumstances she has to deal with on a daily basis. Instead of getting mad, I should pray for these people who make me mad or get on my nerves. More importantly, I should ask these people who seem to be having a bad day, if they are ok and if I can pray for them. Sometimes people just need to feel like someone cares to help give them the strength to carry on and lift their spirits.

A friend of mine revealed to me yesterday after me telling her what was going on with me and Joseph about how she was having to deal with the infidelity of her husband. I was shocked and heartbroken for her. On the outside, everything seems just perfect. It seemed like they were living the American dream: three kids, nice house, etc. but things aren't as perfect as they appear. I would have never guess that she was going through all that, in the same way, many people I see on a daily basis don't know what I am going through. But through the two of us sharing our heartaches and pains, I realized that there are people out there who genuinely care. People who are empathetic and truly want to help and be there for you. People who will pray with you and for you. People who will just listen. People who understand. If we take the time to actually see people and look beyond the mask they wear, we are all fighting something. Our problems may be different, but they are troubles just the same. And it is amazing what just a few words of encouragement can do for people who are struggling. Pray without ceasing. Always be an encouragement. Just simply love one another.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~ James 5:16

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11