How kind are our thoughts? _ 2 Samuel 9:7

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan."

Trending posts on social media feature what are called "random acts of kindness". There are stories of someone giving a $100 tip to an exhausted and down-on-her-luck waitress; brave strangers coming together to save a frightened dog stranded in raging floodwaters; a delivery person returning to the home of a lonely woman to give her a hug and lighten her spirits; and many more. 

Despite having been pursued by Saul, and having experienced so much turmoil because of the many attempts to kill him, David sought out someone from "Saul's house", to whom he could show kindness because of his love for Jonathan. This was truly a true example of an act of kindness that was not random.

There is, however, another area where we, as Christians, are called to act on, our thoughts. How kind are our thoughts?

While we are showing kindness to someone, are our thoughts as kind? Do we naturally think positively of a person or are we prone to be suspicious or skeptical of that person's motives? When something good happens to someone, do we congratulate them but in our minds think, "Why her? I don't think she really deserves all that" or "Why not me? Nothing ever good happens to me!"

We are called to, not only act kindly but also to THINK KINDLY of others. Philippians 4:8 reminds us, "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—THINK about such things."

Lord heavenly Father, forgive me please for my negative, unkind thoughts about others. When I do this, I know I'm being judgmental and this displeases You. I'm sorry. Holy Spirit, help me to renew my mind so that my heart and mind will reflect Christ's compassion for all.

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