"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you..." --Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule has become its own kind of cliche, quoted and tossed about with such familiarity as to lose its power. But in practice, it is perhaps the most powerful Biblical concept. To truly treat others as we would want to be treated can have transforming power in the lives of many, but is also a very difficult concept to practice. Cynicism and sarcasm rule the day in the modern landscape of talk radio, talk TV, and social media: I fall prey to it on a daily basis probably. Never in the history of mankind have information and opinions been so available--I am a Twitter hound and love scouring my account for the thoughts and wisdom of the people I follow. But these sources of information can also poison our minds and our hearts--the invitation to ridicule and criticize to join in with the crowd can be overwhelming and, many times, difficult to turn away from.
Today, I want to end 2012 with a very basic practice that I think will be very difficult: to demonstrate only kindness in all of my encounters. No criticism, no sarcasm--only kindness. Or in other words, what I would want the people I encounter to demonstrate to me. There is a notion that even a statement meant as a joke contains a degree of truth, and I believe that. Our words and our actions reveal our hearts, even in jest--basically, what we say and do is who we are. Today, in hopes of setting a tone for 2013, I am going to see if I can choose kindness for a whole day.
Today's challenge: Say and do only kind things for the whole day. No sarcastic or critical remarks, posts, etc.
If you play along today, I would love some posts about how it went for you today--would be a huge source of encouragement for me. Or any general comments--a hello to let me know you are following, a suggestion on the content. This blog was created to serve the readership, so let me know that you're out there and what you need.
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