Day 5 - Let Kindness Be a Way

“But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison.” Genesis 39:21

Meditate or Reflect
Kindness can be the smallest of gestures or the grandest of actions.  The translation of kindness that we see in the Bible means pleasant, gracious, or serviceable. Whether you have received a kindness or given a kindness, you are befriending another soul. We learn that this is the way of Jesus when He demonstrates service to others by washing the disciple’s feet (John 13: 5-20). And we see it in our Scripture for today from Genesis, while Joseph was in prison God extended kindness to Joseph by leading him to find favor with the warden. But, look at God – He didn’t just extend kindness to Joseph, He was with him. An essential feature of kindness is to be with or to befriend another, even for a brief moment. Reflect on the kindness of God. Take a breath, and consider the ways He has been with you and extended you kindness. 
 
Heart, Mind, and Soul
Tune into how you experience kindness in your heart. Is it like warm sunlight on a chilly day? Or the slow and sweet drizzle of honey? How would you like for kindness to feel in your heart? Let kindness in your heart be a way of life today. Take a moment to make room for kindness in your heart today.
 
Turn to your thoughts.  Have your thoughts been of a selfish nature of late? Or, have you been unkind to yourself and others? What would kindness in your thoughts be like?  Gentle? Caring? Empathetic? Let kindness in your mind be a way of life today. Take a moment to make room for kindness in your thoughts today.
 
Bring your focus to your soul. How is kindness abiding in your soul in this moment? Take a breath and abide with God’s presence, receiving the kindness he extends to you today.
 
God, Self, and Others – Set your intention for today, or make a plan for cultivating kindness
Will you walk in God’s kindness toward you today? Knowing that He is with you.
Will you extend kindness toward yourself? Silencing the inner-critic and choosing to be kind to yourself? 
How will you extend kindness toward others today? Start with one person.