The Lasso Way Sample

We have all encountered rude and difficult people.  We have been yelled at, cursed at, and possibly made fun of.  In almost every episode of season one, Ted encountered people who were not only unkind; they were rude.  Their language was colorful, and the AFC Richmond fans were downright mean.  

Through it all, Ted always responded with kindness.  Despite the negativity Ted endured, he remained kind.  He chose kindness.  It is one of the endearing character traits of Ted.

In the fifth chapter of Galatians, Paul begins to write and explain what freedom in Christ looks like.  As we begin to live by the Holy Spirit’s power, the Spirit begins to produce new fruit in our lives.  This fruit looks like: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23).

As we grow in Christ, our lives begin to change from the inside out.  As the Spirit moves and works, the Spirit empowers us to respond to situations with new hearts and minds.  Where others are unkind or mean, we can respond with kindness.  We cannot control the actions of others.  Ted couldn’t, and neither can we.  But, we do have the power within us to decide how we are going to respond.  Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and it is also a choice.

I had a professor in college tell our class one day, “Hurt people, hurt people.”  People’s unkindness often stems from some deeper wound that has nothing to do with you.  You just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  We never know the hidden, internal battles people are facing. Our words and actions matter. Life can be difficult, lonely, and hard. A kind, warm smile can go a long way to help someone who feels lonely. An act of kindness can make someone’s day.

Choose kindness today.  I have always resonated with the thought, “Kindness is free. Sprinkle it everywhere.” It costs us nothing to be kind, but it does have the power to change others.  Choose kindness.

I pray that our lives will reflect and produce the Fruit of the Holy Spirit today!