Who deserves kindness?

One more week until Christmas and it's filled with last minute shopping, wrapping paper strewn all about and finishing up the last few details for the family get-togethers (at least that's what it's like around here). I don't know about you but I feel like I'm in slow motion watching everyone rushing through the stores. It can definitely make you forget to slow down and show some kindness and I'm raising both my hands up high calling myself out on this. I found the saying below and was so in love with the idea behind it's meaning that I wanted to share it with you.

I'll be the first to say it's hard to show kindness to those who "don't seem to deserve it" and when I write that it sounds so silly. Who am I to pick and choose who I'm going to show kindness to today? If that's what God would've done when He sent His son to be born in a manger I would've been last on the list to receive the love and sacrifice He gave.  He didn't choose to do what He did because of my good days. He gave it all in spite of who I am.

No matter how wrong I believe a situation is or how rude I think someone may be, I have to remember what I'm on this earth for. It's not to decide on who gets to experience God's love and kindness through me but, it's to share the love, the compassion, the story of Him. It's to share the same grace and forgiveness I receive over a thousand times a day. Take a moment to read the selfless story of the birth of Jesus below and don't forget to show someone the same kindness you receive daily.

Luke 2:1-20 KJV

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.