The Regret of Kindness

2 Kings 5:20-27 New International Version (NIV)

20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. “Is everything all right?” he asked. 22 “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent[a] of silver and two sets of clothing.’”23 “By all means, take two talents,” said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. 24 When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left.25 When he went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?”  “Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered.  26 But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? 27 Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow.

I remember as a little girl often walking away after being kind to someone and feeling like I was stupid for being so kind.  Not because I didn't want to be.  But because I was hurt by their actions and it seemed like everyone who was mean and who lied and did bad things always appeared to be winning.  They seemed to be the ones that everyone respected and flocked to.  Sometimes I would even rehearse in my mind what I would say the next day when they were mean to me.  Or how I would defend myself against them for betraying me; for telling my secrets.  Yet, every single time, all I could find to do in my heart was to just be kind.  

What I know today is that had I chosen to be like everyone else, I would not be  posting this blog today.  I would not be who I am in JESUS had I allowed regret to follow my kindness.  I say this humbly and in obedience to the LORD who told me that it was necessary to share this with you.  

So often we look at how things appear.  To you the other women may appear to be winning because they boss their husbands around and are mean to their spouses. Yet, they drive the latest luxury car and they live in the gated community.  While you are humbly serving and covering your husband in prayer, while he appears to be running in the opposite direction of GOD and your family.  Or perhaps the guy on your job who is always rude and taking from others seems to be the only one advancing while you remain kind and humble and in the same place you were five years ago.  Yet, I must say to you, continue to allow GOD to heal your heart. Continue to love those who speak ill of you and who treat you badly.  Continue to let GOD's love be seen through you everyday.  Never regret being kind to anyone.  For the one who rights all wrongs keeps accurate records and HE is the rewarder, way-maker and provider.  HE knows your struggles and HE sees your pain.  Not one thing you endure for the kingdom of GOD will ever go unrewarded.  Let GOD be GOD and you keep being the light HE has called you to be.  '

I know you may say this is all unfair.  Yet, in due time, those will also be the words spoken when the LORD raises you up and blesses you in the presence of your enemies.  Remember GOD did not promise us that life would be fair.  In fact HE has promised the opposite.  HE has promised to favor us (HIS children) and to bless us abundantly.  Be at peace.  Love others and above all be obedient when GOD instructs you to bless a person.  It may just be that single act of obedience that will release your greatest blessing.  

#BeKind

#BeObedient

#TrustGOD

#UnshakableFaith

#WalkingOnWaterFaith