DAY 34 IN THE 91-DAY NEW HABIT CHALLENGE! #ProverbsChallenge



Proverbs 3--Have you seen the commercials for the energy bars called Kind? The define the difference between nice and kind. When I read this passage this morning, I decided to check out their website. It says:

"Nice means well, but it’s not enough. Kind is different. Nice is polite, but it stays out of it. Kind is honest – it speaks up and rises to the occasion.

Nice doesn’t add to problems, but Kind rolls up its sleeves and solves them.

Nice doesn’t bully, but Kind stands up to bullies.

Nice is something you say, whereas Kind is something you do.

If we had to sum it up, we’d say this: Nice is passive, but Kind is active."


Honestly, I have always thought of nice and kind as interchangeable. That apparently has been my problem. Even though nice is pleasant, it's also frustrating when you think it's kindness. I love living in an area where people are polite, but the politeness doesn't reach the heart where care and compassion reside.

So, a kind person lives in the truth of who they are. They see a need and do it, not because people will think they're nice, but because it's the right thing to do. Their actions are truth because it comes from who they are with no ulterior motives.

A nice person's actions are based on feelings--they crave approval and validation. Or they were brought up to be polite (which really isn't a bad thing), and were reprimanded if they were rude (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). However, politeness is a temporary action. It's pleasant, but goes no further. No other involvement. 

Nice people who crave approval and validation are much more likely to be taken advantage. Users will such the nice person dry. And because the nice person craves the validation, they will sacrifice to the point of unhealthy situations.

Kind people aren't afraid of sacrifice, but they weigh it carefully. They expect natural reciprocity--the healthy give and take of a healthy relationship. If they run across a user, they will eventually distance themselves because, well, it's unhealthy--for both parties.

The difference between kindness and niceness is truth. Truth in our motivations, truth in our actions.

Just as politeness can be taught, so can kindness. But, it must begin with a journey of the heart. Seeking the LORD to show us whether we operate in niceness or kindness or maybe a bit of both. He will help us refine our motives if we are willing. He will help us see needs and respond according to His will and purpose. We become partners in kindness. How great is that!

May we be kind, my friends.

Proverbs 3:3--Let kindness and truth never leave you—bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV
#tlvbible #tlvproverbs

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