90 Days of Kindness Challenge

A few weeks ago our pastor spoke about living a bibically radical life. He explained various ways he has tried to live a radical life for Jesus: giving up his possessions, selling his home, making flashy statements of his religion. But he said none of that was as radical as one single expression of faith, one relatively simple concept, a notion that we have heard since we were children.

"I've learned the most radical thing I can do is to be kind."

In 1 Corinthians, Paul says that above all gifts (speaking in tongues, healing, teaching), there is still a more excellent [radical] way.

And that way is love and kindness.

As I was sitting in church listening to these words, something came over me. I was so inspired, so moved. Is it really this simple?

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul states that without love, our words are empty and meaningless. Love seems like such an easy piece of the puzzle, but without it, we lack so much.

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

Nothing? Nothing? What a strong word. Nothing.

I have read this verse time and time again and really have not let it all sink in. Without love, I am nothing. Without love, I give nothing. Without love, I gain nothing.

Maybe kindness is pretty radical after all.

Kindness is radical living.

It is going the distance with people
giving hope to someone who is difficult
having manners
not bringing up others wrongs
not keeping score
promoting others
putting others first
being patient when it's really really hard
forgiving others when it's even harder

Kindness is
patient
happy with what it has
humble
slow to anger

Kindness delights in truth

Kindness always trusts
hopes
survives

Our pastor gave us a challenge: to be kind [to one person, cause, thing, whatever] for 90 days.

He asked us to reflect and intentionally chose one area to focus all of the kindness we can muster. Once we complete 90 days, maybe another 90, and then 90 days after that, and then who knows. You might just be a bit more radical!

I am up for the challenge AND I WANT YOU TO JOIN ME!

I'd love for you to take the challenge too and see what happens!

Want to see what a radical life you can live?

- Pray and reflect and chose one area that you will devote kindness toward for 90 days.

- Write a blog post letting others know you are up for the challenge.

- Link it up on my blog. You can find the link under the "kindness challenge" page. I will be featuring folks throughout the challenge.

- Add the kindness challenge button to your blog.

- Encourage others to take the challenge.
-Don't have a blog? E-mail me your kindness plan to iamalongfortheride@gmail.com!

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by goodness."

Romans 12:21

Here's to a radical, life-changing, kindness-filled 90 days!