Kindness & Truth
I was up earlier than I wanted. I could feel the Lord’s nudge to come spend time with Him, so (halfheartedly!) I went. I’m so glad I did. This was the nugget He gave me for today:
Proverbs 3:3 NASB “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.”
Kindness & truth. At first glance, this seems to be along the same lines of “speak the truth in love”. Upon closer reflection, it is actually something quite different. The word for truth has more to do with faithfulness and stability than a belief system. In fact, many other translations use the word loyalty instead.*
And, kindness? Well, that is what it sounds like. Kindness = favor, goodness, merciful, faithfulness.
What a beautiful thought, to live in this way—guided by, restrained even, by kindness & truth. Imagine a world with this at its core! Imagine your world with this at its core.
As I was pondering this, I was reminded that this is how God is towards me. He is full of kindness & truth. He is incredibly loyal. His faithfulness towards me is why and how I have been able to get to where I am—one who is saved & loved, healed & set free.
The Lord’s love & Presence in my life have been beautiful beyond description. As I remember this, I realize that I can be a taste of this for others. I can be a source of kindness, mercy, favor, and faithfulness. The way that I love is a reflection of who I am & the kind of love that I have received.
At the end of all of this, people in my life began to come to mind. My husband & children. Other family members. Employees. Neighbors, Friends. People I genuinely love, yet somehow, I loved them more. I saw their beauty & potential. The promise over their lives. I realized what a gift it is to know them & get to love them.
Kindness & truth. I’m so thankful for the reminder (once again) that the beauty of the world is more dependent on the state of my heart than anything.
Proverbs 3:3 NLT “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.”
