Be Tender and Joyful and Kind!

                Have you had your Joy Juice today?  When joy takes up residence in your life, you will notice that your heart becomes tender.

                1 Peter 3:8 instructs: “ Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” ESV

                Can we apply this verse to all people?  Even those who have hurt us? Or those who have different opinions and beliefs?  It’s certainly not an easy task; it’s possible only with God’s help!

                God …in us…can demonstrate compassion.  He can place His abundant love in our hearts…if we are receptive…and He can tenderize our heart toward those who may not deserve it.  (But do any of us deserve His love? Not one of us has earned it; but it’s freely ours for the taking. ) 

                Let’s be sensitive to God’s leading as we go along our way.  Ask Him to help you see others through His eyes of love.  May He give us empathy for others, looking past the wrongs and peering deeply into the cause of what may be troubling them.  Our world needs more compassion and more kindness. May we live out the verse in Ephesians 4:32 which tells us to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” 

                Start now…with your family, working colleagues, friends…and show compassion and kindness.  You may be surprised at how many “joy-buds” will blossom and bloom.