There is a quote in the Cinderella movie that I love so much…

“Have courage and be kind.” —Cinderella

There are so many people who are facing unimaginable hardships in the world right now.

Someone that I love very much went through a mental breakdown yesterday.

After trying very hard to hold everything together, everything just suddenly fell apart for this person, and they weren’t able to hold it together any longer.

It made me realize just how important and crucial it is to be careful with each other, especially in times like these.

I feel there is an urgency right now, in this time, for us to be careful with each other’s hearts…

…and to be just as careful with guarding our own hearts —keeping check of what’s going on in there, asking the Lord to help us to be aware of anything that could do damage within our own hearts —which can do damage to other hearts.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” —Ian Maclearen

Lord help us show each other an “extravagant” kindness —kindness that is gentle, kindness that is soothing, kindness that is loving, kindness that says,

“It’s okay, I know you’re facing some hard things, and it’s okay, you are loved.”

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” —Colossians 3:12

The sort of “unexpected” and even “undeserved” kind of “kingdom kindness” that has the ability to “disarm a ticking time bomb.”

“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.” —Proverbs 15:1

“Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” —Proverbs 16:24

How the world needs this right now —there are many who are on the verge mental breakdown, who can’t hold it together any longer.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:31-32

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” —Titus 3:4-8

Lord, help us to be gentle, patient, and kind toward one another. Show us ways that we can be soothing to one another through a loving-kindness that comes straight from Your heart. You have lavished us with Your kindness —help us to do the same, and to live with that kind of heart.

-Heather ?