Welcoming guest blogger, Joii from www.afullday.com
I grew up as a PK (preacher’s kid). I think it’s safe to say that I have heard thousands of sermons preached by my father. What a blessing! It is so funny how I can recall so many of my dad’s sermon titles, even to this day. One of them was called, “The Art of Kindness.” I thought that would be a perfect title for today’s post.
I love sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning about submission and service to my husband. We have an awesome marriage, but these lessons are making it even sweeter. One of the ways to walk in submission and service is to be kind.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32, KJV
Let’s jump into this pool of kindness. Let’s lay back, close our eyes and float in it...
Okay…ready? Let’s go!
When I think of the "art” of something, I think about the mastery of it. I think about the study of it. This isn’t a passive thing. The art of kindness should be intentional and well thought out. Don’t hold it out for special occasions. Think about showing kindness every day!
I ask, “What does the art of kindness look like?” One of the ways to operate in the art of kindness is to be deliberate about it:
I ask, “What does the art of kindness look like?” One of the ways to operate in the art of kindness is to be deliberate about it:
- Find out from the Lord what makes your mate feel loved, blessed and appreciated.
- Study and learn what makes them smile. Really take the time to investigate.
- Don’t fall into the trick of doing for them, what would bless you.
- Know their “love language.” For example, my Sweetness showing me kindness might be him sending me a single rose with a note. That would be nice for him in return, but getting him a single cupcake from his favorite bakery and a note would be better. (smile)
Developing the art of kindness in our marriages can help keep Jesus in and sin out. As we honor and submit by mastering the art of kindness, the Lord will anoint us to continue this cycle that I’ve heard called the “Blessing Circle.” As you bless your husband, he will bless you and you both will bless the Lord.
Our God has a plan for healthy, stable, loving and sweet marriages. Follow His instructions, and you cannot go wrong. So I say, as Paul did in Ephesians, “And be ye kind one to another…”
 Joii Cooper is a follower of Christ, who is happily married and a full life lover. She has recently delved into the blogosphere with her blog, "A Full Day," which celebrates living life to the fullest. Joii loves speaking to women about Jesus and how to live abundant lives in Him. |
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I loved this post! I use that verse all the time to encourage women to apply it to their husbands. I think it is so easy to read all those verses on truly loving others and forget to love our husbands....The most important one to love!
ReplyDeleteI call kindness Sheltering. And it's the most beautiful when given at home. A lot of it is just being aware -- knowing each love language and acting on them. Forgiveness is the highest form of kindness.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Pamela
Joii, thank you so much for sharing this message. It's such a good fit for this site, for the upcoming blog challenge, and for my life! :)
ReplyDeleteLadies thank you so much for the encouraging words. The Lord continues, in his grace, to teach me on this subject. I am blessed to be a blessing and so are each of you! :-)
ReplyDeleteI left a post about extended breastfeeding and weaning. Thanks for the link up!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting article! Love languages drive me crazy -- I can't figure out mine or my husband's. :(
ReplyDeleteMe too, Crafty Mama! Michael is a tough one to figure out. At least as far as little gifts go. I have learned the kinds of things that he likes to hear tough. At least I have some of it figured out!
ReplyDeleteI am having a hard time linking up. Anyone else having this problem?
ReplyDeleteSorry that you're having trouble. No one has mentioned it. Sometimes Linky can be annoying. It has it's days!
ReplyDeleteWaiting to find out what really makes people feel loved can't wait until their Birthday or Christmas. You're so right - if you want to practice the ART of kindness you have to really put the time in to figure out people's hearts. On my way to check out A Full Day right now! :) And I love Titus 2sday - I don't always have a blog entry to throw in but I usually find a handful that I want to go visit.
ReplyDeleteYou say it SO beautifully!!!! I love your word pictures. Kindness is SO important in our marriages. I love how you reminded us to look at what would bless them...not what blesses us to do for them. Great advise. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLadies, I'm so happy you enjoyed the post. I find that I'm learning something new in this area so often. It's kind of cool and keeps my relationship with Hubby fresh and exciting. Kindness can be explored for eternity. It's beautiful. Master the Art and watch the cycle of blessings overtake you. Thanks for stopping by my site. Let's go forth in kindness today! :-)
ReplyDeleteDear Darlene,
ReplyDeleteThanks to Joii for the edifying post today! Kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit, and we must master it by laying down our agenda...so hard! Thanks be to the Lord for His power which we can abide in if we abide! I want to build up my husband and am looking for ways to do this more and more!!
I loved this post! :) I wanted to link-up, but the LinkyTools wouldn't let me :(
ReplyDeleteNicole, thanks for trying. Linky has so many bad days. It can be frustrating. Hope you try again!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, love how you put that, "laying down our agenda." Great food for thought!
Hello Jacqueline and Nicole. Thanks for supporting Darlene's blog and enjoying my post. Let's take a big bite out of this fruit of the spirit. It will no doubt cause our relationships to be nourished and healthy. Yum! :-)
ReplyDelete