Hindrances to kindness

Yesterday we talked about one of the sins that can obstruct our sincere desire for our husbands' and children's happiness. Remember, kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others. Anger hinders kindness because the focus of our anger tends to be self-centered. I want my happiness more than I want loved ones to be happy. This seems to contradict everything we hear in the world about..."If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy". The truth is, if we are satisfied and happy in Christ and He alone fulfills our desire for happiness then we truly are content. Our joy is expressed in a happy home...and showing kindness towards our family is a direct result of God's kindness towards us.
The second sin that can hinder kindness is bitterness. Carolyn points out author Jim Wilson's definition of bitterness " ....Bitterness is based upon somebody else's sin who is close to us and who did something to us. It might be minor. It does not have to be great; it just has to be close. Does he pick up his socks? No? Can you get bitter over that? Well, NO, but what if he does it 5,000 times? You may think you have a right to be bitter (Eph.4:31) says to get rid of all bitterness"
We are also warned to be careful because "hurt feelings" can quickly, if unchecked, turn into bitterness. We can deceive ourselves and say we have a right to be upset. We validate those sinful feelings. But, if we don't guard that reaction it quickly can turn into bitterness. How do we know if such thinking has turned into bitterness? When we constantly review in our minds the wrong someone has done. As we repeatedly replay the offence in our minds we can wallow in self-pity and begin to withdraw our affection. That is bitterness and as long as we continue in that thought pattern bitterness will take root in our heart. We must confess, repent and get rid of such thoughts. We must forgive as God has forgiven us. It is only as we realize HOW MUCH MORE God has forgiven us, that we can extent that same generosity to others
Think about your own life...every thought, every emotion that has set itself up against God's standard is judged by God. How well do you stand under that? We are guilty of it all, and yet God has forgiven us in Christ. Our call as wives, mothers and Godly women is to extend that same grace to others. Do you need to do that today?...the Bible says "Where sin abounds Grace abounds more" If you need God's Grace to forgive, look to the One who gives it abundantly, holding nothing back. Get rid of that bitterness...it will do nothing but destroy.
Any thoughts? let me know : Girlschat@gmail.com

Janet