I had to.
We are living in a “me” generation. Well, you can have some “me” time; just think about how you will spend it. Here’s a verse, in various translations, to help “yourself”:
Proverbs 11:17
“When you’re kind to others, you help yourself;
when you’re cruel to others, you hurt yourself.” (The Message)
“Your kindness will reward you,
but your cruelty will destroy you.” (New Living Translation)
“People who are kind will be rewarded for their kindness, but cruel people will be rewarded with trouble.” (Easy to read version)
“Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” (Ne International Version)
Once again, we are shown how God has given us free-will. You have a choice to help or hurt yourself, to be rewarded with kindness or trouble, to benefit yourself or ruin yourself. Which type of “selfishness” will you choose? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to bring trouble, destruction, or have pain brought on myself. Will you choose the one that will display kindness or cruelty to others? Take it from the King of rock-n-roll’s song (Elvis, for those too young to know. Haha), “Don’t be Cruel”.
Here are some verses to help you choose wisely:
Proverbs 19:22 – “What is desirable in a person is kindness, and it is better to be poor than a liar.”
Matthew 6:21 – “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Luke 6:27 – “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Acts 20:35b – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Galatians 6:9a –“ Let us not lose heart in doing good.”
Philippians 2:3-7 – “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”
James 3:17-18 “But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and to do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. 18 People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living.”
Have an awesome day!
April 18