We Can Make A Difference
Written by: Teresa Lee Rainey
I just finished reading “a short course in kindness” by Margot Silk Forrest. The book is what the title implies, a short study on how to be kind. Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay It Forward, gives the forward for this book which is in essence a spin-off of her popular theme.
As I read through each interesting chapter, I was moved and inspired. Ms. Forrest certainly paints a compelling picture of the need for kind deeds to be done daily. She goes to great lengths to describe the difference in being nice and being kind.
However, the more I read, the more I was bothered by a nagging question in the back of my mind. Is there more to this picture?
Having finished the book, I must say that I have great respect for Ms. Forrest. She has risen past the challenges in her life and is campaigning to make a difference in the world.
But, the question of “Is there more?” kept nagging.
Finally, a light came on in my mind. The answer to my question was clear. I have a greater responsibility to those around me than acts of kindness.
Ms. Forrest says that she is trying to ‘change the world’ one kind act at a time.
We, as Christians, are called to show more than kindness.
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) states “(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Kind acts alone will never change the world. However, with the help of Jesus Christ, we can show our fruits to the lives around us.
While we may never ‘change the world’, we can make a difference. . . one fruit act at a time.
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