“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” (Proverbs 11:17 ESV)

I was always told by Mom that a little kindness goes a long way. Grandma said you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Me, I always said kill them with kindness. Kindness will go a long way.

I think I am kind person. At least I try to be. But there are those people that just rub you the wrong way. I have one living next door. Well, God decided that I wasn’t giving him a chance. God jerked me up short one day and said he is my child too. Now, play nice. So I have been. I have learned some things. I need to be a better person when things come up to irritate me.

God told me the other day while I was praying that the devil is mad. I know that. The devil is out to kill, steal and destroy everyone he can. If you aren’t being attacked by him, you must not be doing something right.

When I have drifted away from God, the devil relaxes a bit on me. But just as soon as I turn back to God, here he comes, guns blazing. But let me tell you a little secret. I would rather endure what he tries to throw at me then to not be living for God. You see, God will look out for you. He will work overtime protecting his children. So the next time you feel like you are going under for the last time, call out to God. He will throw you a life preserver and reel you back in.

Kathy Keller