Turning Heads
July 19, 2023
It is an understatement to say that I am not a fashion maven. When I sweep into a room, I don’t turn heads. If anyone does notice, they are likely thinking, “Wow! She sure dressed for comfort today!” It’s true. While I am not a fashionista myself, I do admire the artistry of one who dresses and accessorizes beautifully. To dress beautifully enough to turn heads requires time, practice, and the patience to stick with the shopping phase until you find the perfect thing. For the rest of us, there is Stitch Fix®.
As I was reading through 1 Corinthians this month, I found another way to turn heads. It is a small four-letter word buried in Chapter 13:4. Love endures long and is patient and kind. Other words that mean ‘kind’ include considerate, cooperative, friendly, generous, handy, helpful, and hospitable. I like the Wuest bible translation of 1 Corinthians 13:4: Love is kind, gentle, benign, pervading and penetrating the whole nature, mellowing all which would have been harsh and austere. Implementing kindness turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary one. Kindness is the most beautiful thing you can wear and it never goes out of style.
I did a little research and came across an article from the Mayo Clinic titled The Art of Kindness (https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness). It states: The art of kindness means harboring a spirit of helpfulness, as well as being generous and considerate, and doing so without expecting anything in return. The article goes on to describe the health benefits of being kind to others. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It suggests: Looking for ways to show kindness can give you a focus activity, especially if you tend to be anxious or stressed in some social situations. How true! How many times have I coped in large gatherings by focusing on helping others have a good time. It helps me to relax and have a good time myself.
What most jumped out to me was the idea that kindness can be an art form. That was encouraging to me. If kindness is an art form, that means we can practice and get better at it. Artists get better at their chosen craft when they diligently practice. Long before the Mayo Clinic told us that being kind is good for our health, God suggested practicing a lifestyle of kindness. Kindness is one of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We produce fruit when we manifest the character of God, and kindness is one of those characteristics.
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit to act as our kindness coach. With His guidance, you can know who, what, where, and when an act of kindness is needed. If you listen to the inner voice, you will know what to say and when to say it. It takes practice to become a true artist of kindness. Heads turn when a truly kind person enters any room because God’s love radiates from them. It becomes less about what clothes you wear, and more about Whose character you wear.
Pray: Father, today I am determined to show kindness to at least one person. Let me be Your hands and feet, showing others Your great love for them. Make me sensitive to Your leading to show kindness to others. It is not about me, Lord, but about turning heads toward You. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.