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I realize, my God, that my only end in life is to be one finite means, among a myriad other varying like and dislike finite means, for you, in and through Christ, who are infinite grace, to express benevolence in the world. And this kindness is not only to be toward other persons, but kind respect is to be given to all creatures. As pastor, teacher, and common citizen of this world, I see myself prayerful to be a man who is a safe, kind haven for others.
Of course, at times, due to natural human weakness or pressures upon or within me, I find myself more passively avoidant than actively kind. Yet, I do find myself longing to be kind, as you know, my God. And, possibly, to persevere in kindness will mean that I will often have to express kindness to myself within those very weaknesses limiting the consistency and extent of grace, I as the man I am, am capable of expressing. Thankfully, you work beyond the limits of my expressing grace, even extending its effects in the lives of persons wherein my kindness was countered through ignorance of my own.
Suggested Reflection
What does it mean to be kind?
Who touches your life through his or her kindness?
Are you struggling to be kind to someone? Some group of persons? What are you doing to change the disposition of your heart toward him or her, or them?
Whom are you serving through expressing kindness?
Spiritual Exercise
Meditate prayerfully on the following scripture:
Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.
*Ephesians 4.32 (NCV)
*Mother Teresa quote and the wisdom story are from inspirationpeak.com .
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups.
For submission of replies, see below:
*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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