HPK #2

Do all the good to others that circumstances allow.  If you concentrate on yourself too often, your life will be flat and empty.  Lively interest in others makes you rise above the pettiness of self-love.  Self-love is to be dissolved in the crucible of a common interest in people.  Self-effacement in order that others may be made happy is a lifework that will be most richly rewarded by God.  It is Christlike to give generously of your kind thoughts, your heartening words, and your kind deeds.

This quotation beautifully reveals that "all the good" we should do encompasses more than just actions.  I often am tempted to think that I don't have TIME to be as kind as I would like.  However, as mentioned above, kind thoughts and encouragement do not take any extra time.  Rather than adding kindness into my life like an item on a "spiritual to-do list", I must allow Christ to convert my current thoughts and words to ones that imitate His.  My heart must be pure, gentle, and receptive so that my judgments are charitable and forgiving and my words are sensitive and uplifting.  The reward is a more fulfilling life, made rich by the authentic relationships that you have cultivated and tended with love.

"Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine."