The 1st Habit of A Highly Kind Person
Many a soul and heart burns in goodness, but this goodness may require an energetic stirring to become visible.
Steven Covey tells a story of travelling home on a commuter train one evening.
He is tired and crabby and just wants a peaceful trip home.
At one station a young man with three small children board the train. They sit near Covey. The children are very soon running all over the carriage, disturbing passengers, creating a mini mayhem.
They grow louder, and increasingly become obnoxious. Dad did nothing, he couldn't. It was as if he was oblivious. (Dad is crippled inside.)
Parallel to the other passengers Covey's irritation rises. Finally indignant he asks the young dad to control his rambunctious offspring.
The young man is startled - apologizing he explains, "We have just come from the hospital, their mother has died."
In a heartbeat, Covey's behavior changes from irritation to compassion and caring. He offers mercy.
... I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example to those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)
A highly kind person considers mercy first. Then it shall always triumph over judgement.
Our hearts of stone become hearts of flesh when we learn why another weeps.
Today's Soul Snippet:
A man can give the Lord his hands, but it is by his heart he is tested.