Righteous and Kind - Proverbs 21:21

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Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Pursue It

I know that God wants me, His child, to be righteous and kind. He says it plainly.

I'm going to focus on the kindness part in the verse.

I find it so interesting that He says to pursue it. Chase it. That suggests that this kindness is elusive, it's not something where I simply say, "I'm kind now." I found this definition of kind: Showing tenderness or goodness; disposed to do good and confer happiness (Wordnik). Interestingly, one of the synonyms of the word is Christlike.

Now, I'm not automatically kind. I must work for it, fight for it. It is a challenge, right?

But implied in the verse is this: I can attain it. I can be righteous. I can be kind. I'm going to also say that I can grow in it. There are layers to kindness.

Love in Action

The most kind people try to help you get what you need, maybe even before you realize you need it. This is love in action.

And the one who pursues this kindness, finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Pursuing honor doesn't bring honor. Pursuing righteousness and kindness does. The world has a saying. They say, "Nice guys finish last." But that's wrong.

Kind people are humble. They are enjoyable to be around. They aren't selfish. They are good to other people. And this is powerful!

I want to be that guy. Kind.

Lord, show me how to pursue kindness, to think about it, to want it. Enlarge my vision of what this looks like. Fill me with the Spirit. Let me walk in the light. Today. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

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