Be Kind_1 Thessalonians 5:11-18

There is a swelling wave of self-focus and self-centeredness espoused in books, tv shows movies, and on social media. There are memes or posts saying if a person is "toxic", or is holding you back, or makes you feel bad, then throw that person away (figuratively of course).  The SELF becomes all-important. Having a "me first" attitude is encouraged. The example given is the ODB devotion today was that of the crawfish. In the Philippine setting, we call it the "crab mentality". Once a crab is able to reach the rim of the pail to escape, it is pulled down by the other crabs.

While I agree that you stay away from people who may endanger you, Paul's admonition to the Thessalonians rings loud to remind me about thinking of others first.  He writes: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else."

Lord Jesus, please strengthen my kindness meter, that I may always think kind thought, speak kindly to others,  and act out of kindness to others. Help me to look out of my SELF and see others with empathy and grace.