Cultivate kind thoughts

"Besides, brethren, let all that is ... amiable ... be the object of your thoughts." Philippians 4.8

Sometimes it's words we use, without measuring all the richness they contain. The word "amiable" is one of them. I have looked in various dictionaries for the meaning of this word :

1. Who deserves to be loved

Who more than God deserves to be loved ? Certainly nobody, because God loved me so much, that he gave his son Jesus to save me. This is a wonderful subject of thought : the infinite depth of God's love for you.

2. Who deserves to be loved because of his qualities according to an ideal.

Can we find a more perfect model than that of Jesus Christ ? The Apostle Paul said to Timothy : "Remember Jesus Christ". Think of the Lord Jesus, there is nothing more amiable than his example.

3. Who stands out because of his willingness to please.

A person who is considerate, attentive to the other, concerned with the well-being of the other, who by pleasant words, consoles, encourages, congratulates. What thoughts do you have about your spouse, your neighbor, your entourage ? Kind thoughts, or hateful thoughts, thoughts of peace, or thoughts of anger ? Hear the exhortation of Paul : that all that is amiable, that is to say what can please the other, be the object of your thoughts.

4. Which stands out because of its quality of welcome.

Is kind, the one who welcomes you with a smile, saying a warm hello, who does not do it for simple polite convenience, but who does it in all sincerity. Think about how you welcome the other, think about how Christ welcomed you (Romans 15: 7).

It is by cultivating kind thoughts that you will develop your kindness.

Here are some ways to grow lovable thoughts.

Cultivating lovable thoughts will engender kind attitudes, kind words. Those who have harsh words to others, or those who hurt by their words, demonstrate that they still need to learn to cultivate lovable thoughts. It is by cultivating kind thoughts that you will develop your kindness.

How do you measure your kindness ? Is she on top ? Do you have any progress to make ? I do not know how you see yourself, but if you feel that you need to make progress, here is a prayer you can make yours.

A prayer for today

On this day, Lord, I want to direct my thoughts to what is kind ; I want to think of what might be nice to you and so pleasant to others. Amen !

Paul Calzada

Source (The Thought of the Day)