For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:14.

“Never kick a dog when he is down.” This adage reminds us not to worsen another’s hardship. Sadly, some individuals seek to harm others to gain a sense of power. However, the Word of God instructs us to love rather than harm: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:14.

In the book of Job, chapter fourteen, Job is deeply despondent over his afflictions. Even more distressing, his friends, who had previously supported him, ultimately abandoned him. “To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14.

It is natural to expect kindness from friends, yet human beings are prone to failure. In moments when we most need compassion, we may instead encounter indifference. As an old hymn states, “I go to friends for consolation and find them complaining too!”

Jesus, our Rock of Ages, is the only one who never fails, and His mercies are new every morning! “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

My friends, it’s just nice to be nice; showing and expressing the love of God that lives within us to others is what we are commanded to do. Jesus answers a Pharisee on the two greatest commandments: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:26-39.

We are all in the midst of something, heading in or out of a trying situation, and love shown in our greatest need is far beyond any riches this world could afford. Just an ounce of kindness, a word spoken at just the right time, or a deed well done…will help lift someone up and brighten the path that may seem dark. And the truth be told….it is impossible to lift and encourage others without being encouraged ourselves!

Let us seek to show a little kindness and lift a sinking brother or sister along the way today…We never know what that phone call, card, flower, or, above all, prayer will do… be that light of hope and peace in someone’s life, remembering that just an ounce of kindness goes a long way! 

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8.

God’s blessings of peace, joy, and mercy be with you all.