Growing Kindness: Devotion Five

Did you know that tomorrow is World Kindness Day? In honor of its international celebration, I have TWO special days planned for you this week!

First, enjoy this week's installment of our devotional series. Kindness often starts at home by what we model as parents, so I hope this devotion encourages you to tap into Christ's reservoir of support as we seek to grow kindness' fruit...it's not always easy, but Christ is here to help!

Second, I'm welcoming back best-selling author Laura Sassi to my website tomorrow to reflect upon ways that children themselves can be kind. She's polled children coast to coast for practical ideas in honor of her new book, Love is Kind, which I will be giving away to one lucky reader! Don't miss it!

Day 16

“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

As parents, we often deal with fruit. Like the fruit a toddler has lovingly smeared all over the floor. Or the fruit a school-aged child refuses to eat and possibly hides in interesting places (such as the under the table, which happened to me recently). But this passage is about the intangible fruit that our actions produce. On bad meltdown days, I might not want to think about it! Ultimately, however, I want all that I do to edify the family I am working so hard to build. That means I want to consider the teachings of Jesus before I respond, even if that means locking myself in my bedroom for a brief minute of composure first! God will multiply every small act of humility. What’s more, God will provide us with the strength to do it in the first place. If we’re intentional, those actions will also trickle down into the choices our children make in their daily lives too, reaping an abundant harvest. Today, do at least one thing for your children specifically in the name of Jesus.

Further Reading: Psalm 90:17; Hebrews 13:20–21

Remember, if you are enjoying these devotions, you can receive my entire devotional series in ebook form sent right to your inbox for free by following the prompts here. And come back tomorrow to read an endearing post from Laura and win your free copy of her new book!