Can kindness take the stress out of Christmas?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.  (Gal 5:22-23)

Kindness. This is one of the fruits of the Spirit that grows in us as godliness grows in us. This is a great “fruit” to taste and share this Christmas season, and beyond.  During this Christmas season, we are likely to run into many grumpy, or unpleasant people.  When we do, we have two choices, and we have to make an almost instant decision how we will react.   If we respond in kind, which is sometimes our gut reaction, we increase the ugliness and negativity both for them, for others who might be near, and in our own lives.  If we respond in kindness, there is a chance that the offender might ease up, but at the very least, those around us might take note of our actions/words, and be blessed by them, while we are spared from being pulled into the negativity.

I think this just might make a bigger difference in our lives than we think at this time.  For that reason, I am going to practice this to the best of my ability this month, and take note of the results.  First I must stop myself from making those instant reactions when someone I know or don’t know offends me, angers me, hurts me, etc.  Second, I must make a quick choice to respond with kindness.  Lastly, I must make a note of how the other reacted and how I felt afterward.  There will be plenty of opportunities to practice this during the month.  It has always amazed me how one of the most joy-filled times of the year can be so joyless.  Stress just seems to mount to such high peaks.

I’d like to see if I can make a bit of a difference in that this year.  And if I could make a bit of a difference, what if all of us decided to make a bit of a difference in our world of influence?  You know, it might really make more than a “bit” of a difference.  It really could be huge.

Let’s make this a research project this Christmas, as we are at parties, and shopping, and even driving in chaotic lines of traffic.  I’d love you to share your experiences with me and the others.  This could really be quite fun.  Are you up to the challenge?  Shall we go forth in kindness?  I’m in, what about you?  Leave a comment below if you are in on this challenge/experiment in kindness and Christmas.

Share this with others.  Let’s get as many on board as we can.

Look out world….true kindness is about to make a BIG CHANGE for the better.

God bless you all!   Have a very merry, joy-filled Christmas indeed!