A Kind Word; A Smile

by Debi Baker

"24 Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body."

Proverbs 16:24 NLT

I came across this verse this morning; I've read it hundreds of times!  But today it stuck out to me in a ... different way.  Yes, I know we're supposed to be kind to one another.  Yes, I know it's not always easy to be kind.  But can being kind really be healthy for us?!

The reality of it is that, yes, being kind can affect our health.  Being cheerful is good for our health.  Proverbs 17:27 NLT tells us that "22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."  I've seen the difference between being cheerful and being grumbly; someone who walks around whining and complaining all day long always seems to be tired and out of sorts.  But the person who has a cheerful heart, even when things don't go their way, always seem to have it together.  They don't let the little things get them down.

Being kind goes against our nature.  We are selfish and we want others to see how special we are.  We have to work at being kind.  But that work doesn't go to waste if we're genuine.  Seriously, how hard is t to hold the door open for that person walking behind you rather than let is slam in their face?  

A kind word, a smile...they go a long way.  Perhaps that kind word spoken genuinely is the only Jesus they see that day.  Perhaps your smile could turn someone's day completely around.  Think about it.  Honestly, I think it all goes along with the 'Golden Rule.'  Jesus said in Matthew 7:12 NLT, "12 Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you..."  

Today I challenge you to 'work' at being kind to everyone with whom you come in contact.  Give them a smile or a kind word.  Treat them the way you would want to be treated!  At the end of the day, I'll bet you notice a difference in your own attitude!!

Have a blessed day!