Being kind is more important than being right.
(Andy Rooney, late television social commentator)
Well, we might argue about the “being right” part. One should never intentionally be or do wrong. But in doing right or even claiming to be right, we should “speak the truth in love” (a biblical admonition), and always treat others with kindness.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
Sickness is meant to make us repent and break off our sins. If we will not hear the voice of mercies, God sometimes makes us hear through suffering.
(Paraphrased from unknown author)
Sickness is sometimes not just the result of genetics, injury, or poor diet. Often there seems to be no reason we can discover. It’s in those times that we do well to consider what might be in our conduct and thoughts that is displeasing and harmful.
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him … If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5:14-16)
Don’t trust your own opinion, when you find it contrary to that of older men, and especially to that of your own parents.
(J. C. Ryle, 19th century Anglican bishop, speaking to young men)
Young people tend to think they’re more mature than they really are. They often think they have the answers their elders have missed. But, they would do well to heed Bishop Ryle’s advice.
Encourage the young men to be self-controlled (Titus 2:6) … Young men . . be submissive to those who are older. (1 Peter 5:5)
Character is closing the gap between knowing & doing.
(John Maxwell, motivational speaker)
Most of us would have to confess that we know more about what we ought to do than we actually practice doing. Knowing what’s right is usually not the problem. It’s having the courage to do it when the doing is difficult. But that’s the test of character.
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. (James 4:17)
We may not always be able to come to a resolution in conflict, but we do need to come to a point of reconciliation. (Mike Lee, American pastor)
Reconciliation, as a theological term, refers to making things right with God, and that is a job entrusted to Christians. It is the privilege of godly people, also, to try to bring an end to conflict between people and restore a meaningful relationship between them.
He [God] has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19)
You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate. (Rick Warren)
To bend down to help someone up does not mean we have to give up our standards and values. It’s those values that motivate us to reach out to those in need, demonstrating the compassion that God has given us.
Be kind and compassionate to one another . . . just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. (Author unknown)
The future may be bit scary for us. After all, we don’t know what lies ahead and we’d desperately like to know, so we can plan effectively. The Bible tells us, however, that there is one who knows the future and who is always there for us.
Jesus: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Often, the happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything…they just make the best of everything! (Author unknown)
What will make you happy? A little more money, time, opportunity? More is never enough, of course. And more doesn’t bring happiness, as you can see in the lives of many who have “more.” Better to find happiness in using what your have for good purposes
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. (Ecclesiastes 3:12)
Where the ego promotes control by fear, the soul promotes freedom in love. (Inspiration Line)
Too many of us are driven by our egos; our pride motivates us to be sure that number one is always prominent. That way we think we have the freedom we all want to have. Unfortunately, to gain that position, we often resort to fear tactics to protect our position. It would be better to let love be the motivator.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)
A good leader inspires people to have confidence in him; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. (Author unknown)
We are always looking for good leaders, men and women in whom we can place our trust. The problem is that everyone fails at times. Ultimately, our confidence must be placed in someone more trustworthy than mere humans.
For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. (Proverbs 3:26)
Where fear is, happiness is not. (Seneca, 1st century Roman philosopher)
Some people seem to live in constant fear of one thing or another. They’re afraid about their financial prospects, their security, their families’ health, and on and on. Life is hard enough without constant fear. The strongest antidote for fear is the love that only God can give.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)
You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
(Albert Camus, 20th century author, journalist, and philosopher)
It seems that some people are always looking for life’s meaning. Meanwhile, they’re missing out on life itself, and someone might well say, “Get a life!” But life does have meaning, and we’d do well to discover its purpose. The Bible has something to say about it.
Jesus: “I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)