Be at Home with Others

“Whoever is virtuous and kind will find joy and honor.”

Proverbs 21:21

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage comes from the Book of Proverbs, from the chapter sometimes titled “The King’s [Leader’s] Heart,” which offers wisdom on how best to conduct oneself in the world. The passage particularly advises that those who seek joy find more than they originally sought.
• The Book of Proverbs is treasured because it teaches you how to develop a spiritually mature, healthy character. Consider it an ancient “Do-This-Not-That” compendium of wisdom still applicable to your 21^st-century life.
• According to this proverb, your goal and your reward is having a compassionate, generous, wise nature, the same nature that is in all spiritual masters. This means showing up as who you truly are as a divine child of God and knowing that divinity in all others, too.
• Being virtuous isn’t just being good or following the letter of the law. It’s endeavoring to live with high ethical and moral standards, in integrity with yourself and your values. The honor you receive comes from within because you truly choose to walk your talk.
• Kindness is a choice, and the energy and intention behind it matters. If you seek compensation for what you offer, then your intention has strings attached, like “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.”
• Furthermore, kindness is a mindset, a way of being, not a mere behavior. When you perform random acts of kindness or pay a kindness forward, you give because someone else has given to you. You share goodwill and lovingkindness without judgment.
• Numerous scientific and mental health studies cite the benefits of being kind, including: increasing the feel-good hormones of dopamine and serotonin; providing greater happiness; boosting self-esteem; and relieving anxiety.
• Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create a ripple effect in relationships and communities. Your kindness is recognition of your interconnectedness in a global society. So, you aren’t just giving someone a cup of coffee, for example.  You’re being a source for the flow of unlimited healing and grace.
• In his book, The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life, Philosopher and Psychotherapist Piero Ferrucci explains that kindness flows best when you’re clear about your intentions. To ask: “What’s in it for me?” blocks any personal fulfillment you might feel. But, he says, those “who think of others, take part in their lives, try to alleviate their suffering, and feel linked to them are most likely to be happy and to discover the inestimable treasure of joy.”
• Demonstration is your evidence of wellbeing in all aspects of your life. You can demonstrate kindness, easily and joyfully, especially when you turn off your inner analyzer and give from your heart.

Contemplation Questions:

As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:

• What kindness have I experienced recently?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.

• What are my feelings about receiving without obligation?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all your feelings.

• What kindness have I bestowed recently?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.

• What are my feelings about giving without compensation?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all your feelings.

• What are at least three (3) ways I can be kind to others now?
  • List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.

• In what ways does kindness help me feel at home with others?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.

As you use this devotional, let kindness flow naturally from within you.  Remember: Your intuition is always guiding you.  When you’re tuned in, you can discern immediately what to do, no analysis or judgment required.  Then, you can act accordingly, noticing the joy you feel being at home with yourself, in the world, and with others, too.

© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.

Photo from Shutterstock by Jason Finn.