Do you consider kindness to be a sign of strength or weakness?
Every man has felt that sudden surge of anger when another driver tries to merge into “your” lane. Why do we guard that spot like it’s ours, just to reach the next red light three seconds sooner? Sometimes the problem isn’t the other guy. It’s what he brings out in us. In Proverbs 11:17, Solomon shows that kindness blesses the man who gives it, while cruelty comes back to bite the man who dishes it out.
Some men treat kindness as weakness, but nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus turned over tables and confronted hypocrisy, yet He also stopped for children, touched lepers, and defended the rejected. Real strength knows when to be tough and when to be tender. A kind man looks people in the eye, thanks the waiter, listens instead of interrupting, and honors his wife. He doesn’t need to make anyone feel small to feel big, and people are drawn to him because of it. Rudeness works the opposite way. Your wife and kids grow guarded, employees stop sharing ideas, and friends stop calling. You can be right and still be rude. You can be a good man with a bad delivery. Anyone can snap back, but it takes a strong man to lower his voice, say “I was wrong,” or treat someone better than they treated him. And remember, people are forming an opinion about the God you serve by watching how you treat them.
Verse of the Day: Proverbs 11:17
Your Daily Man-Up Challenge:
Be strong enough to be kind. Today, intentionally show kindness to three people: one in your family, one you work with, and one who can do absolutely nothing for you. Throughout the day, ask yourself: Are people experiencing the kindness of Christ when they experience me?
NEW TO THE MEN’S MORNING DEVOTIONAL?
Welcome!
The Men's Morning Devotional is a podcast to help you man up in every way - in your faith, your family and your work - by spending a few minutes getting into the Word before you face the world.
Every weekday, you'll get a challenge and encouragement from Scripture that speaks to the pressures you carry as a husband, a father, and a leader. You’ll get truth you can take straight into your day. And you’ll know you’re not standing alone, because men everywhere are waking up to fight the same battle.
Your hosts are Steve Alessi, pastor of Metro Life Church of Miami, FL, along with his son, Chris Alessi, and his sons-in-law Christopher Muina, Christian Calatayud, and Dani Burgos.
Join us every weekday to man up!
MORE PODCASTS YOU'LL ENJOY
Find more podcasts about faith and family from Metro Life Studios, including:
My Morning Devotional
The Family Business with The Alessis
The Mary and Martha Show
You can listen to all of these shows on our Metro Life Studios app here!
