OCTOBER 9

Genesis 16:15, 16; 21:9

              ISHMAEL, AN UNKIND CHILD

You recall we discussed about the first son of Adam? Cain was his name and he was not a good man. Likewise, the first son of Abraham, Ishmael, did not turn out well. To begin with, he was not a kind child. We read in Genesis 21: 9 that he was mocking (sarcastic or sneering) baby Isaac, the 2nd son of Abraham. Ishmael seemed to be very jealous of the baby. Because he behaved so badly, he was sent away with his mother.

Dear reader, are you a kind child? To be kind mean you would be considerate and compassionate, putting others before you. Someone you know is very kind, guess who? God! Titus 3:4 tells us of God’s kindness, and Col 3:12 reminds us that as God’s people, we are to be kind!

Start being kind today. If this does not come naturally to you, fret not. The Holy Spirit will help you, if you allow him to. Always pray for guidance on how to demonstrate kindness and think of the other person before you think of yourself. Slowly but surely, kindness will become part of you!

The words have been spelt backwards. Rearrange to read the message

dna eb ey dnik eno ot rehtona, detraehrednet, gnivigrof eno rehtona, neve sa doG rof s’tsirhC ekas htah nevigrof uoy.
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Thought: I want to start being kind today!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide me how to show kindness and love to people around me, starting with family and friends. I’ve not been a kind child, but I want to start being kind today. is is my humble cry, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.