Thursday Thoughts - Kindness

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” (I John 4:7 KJV)

Most people enjoy games that pass the time, encourage interaction, and crown a winner. That was definitely the case a few years ago, in a community game that ran rampant in Connecticut called kindness bingo. Cards were picked up at the local library, and a sticker could be placed on the bingo card after completing the kindness it described. It was a win for those who played because prizes were awarded. It was a win for those who received the kindness because it was unexpected and welcome. It was a win for the community because the focus on positive change became evident everywhere.God gave another reason to be motivated to do your best in whatever you do. That reason is love, which has always been God's idea. He gave it when it was not deserved, knowing the need for it would never end.Your motivation for doing good should ultimately be based on love. Your work will often be done for people you're not sure deserve a good job, or a pat on the back. Your encouragement rather than your correction, will speak volumes of your motivation. Your best efforts will show love to God and to the people He needs to reach with the gospel and your good example. He can and will use you for both.Embracing your motivation teaches you, helps others, and allows God to work in your life and the life of the one you help. Love makes that bond possible.You might think God ask you to do your best because he wants to make things hard or give you an unnecessary test, but there are benefits you don't always see that can move circumstances in a God direction.Part of your motivation in anything you do is to look out for the best interests of the one you're helping. Even if it costs you more than you expect. The cost could be money, but it could also be time, talent, kindness, or even words left unspoken.If motivation is the reason you do something, then consider the what and why behind the things you do for others, and what you do for God. Kindness should outweigh personal preference, personal agenda, or self-promotion.~Thursday Thoughts~