January 11 - Choose Kindness Anyway

JANUARY 11 - Choose Kindness Anyway3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:27–30; Psalm 6; Matthew 8________________________________________Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. —Proverbs 3:27Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. —Psalm 6:2And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. —Matthew 8:3________________________________________Have you ever been in a situation where you knew you could help someone, but something held you back? Maybe you were afraid of what others might think, or you felt like the person didn’t deserve it. In Proverbs 3:27–30, we’re reminded not to hold back doing good when we’re able. Psalm 6 gives us a look into someone crying out to God in pain, asking for grace and healing. Then, in Matthew 8, Jesus doesn’t hesitate—He reaches out to touch and heal a man everyone else avoided. These three passages come together with one powerful message: When you have the chance to help, heal, or show love, do it—because that’s what Jesus did.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Why Wait? Are you holding back from helping someone when you know it’s within your power to act? God calls us to respond to others with compassion, not excuses.2. See the Hurt: Psalm 6 shows us that people may be dealing with deep pain we can’t always see. Do you take time to notice when someone’s struggling, even if they’re hiding it?3. Jesus Touched the Untouchable: In Matthew 8, Jesus didn’t just say words—He touched the man with leprosy. How can you step out of your comfort zone to love someone others overlook?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEGod calls us to reflect His compassion. When you see someone hurting or in need, don’t hold back. Be bold, be kind, and be the one who chooses love—even when it’s hard or uncomfortable.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for always seeing us, even in our lowest moments. Help us to be more like Jesus, willing to reach out and love others boldly. Give us courage to do good when we have the chance and hearts that see the pain others are going through. Make us people who respond with kindness, not judgment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.