Do Unto Others???

"BE WISE in the way you ACT toward outsiders; 
make the most of EVERY opportunity! 
Let your conversation be ALWAYS FULL of Grace, seasoned with salt, 
so that you may know HOW to answer EVERYONE!" 
(Colossians 4:5-6)

You know, it's amazing how things have changed today, regarding the service people provide today, compared to better times of the past.  I cannot understand why it has become okay to be rude, instead of kind; cruel, instead of empathetic; or selfish, instead of compassionate.  Even customer service has diminished from common courtesy to a haughty, condescending characteristic.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, it was a wonderful trait to behold, treating everyone as you would want to be treated.  But, lately, it's become strange to think that because you are nice to others, the feeling or plain old commiseration would be exchanged.  What is really going on?

Now, it is evident economy has become challenging, to say the least.  Jobs appear to be somewhat scarce, with unemployment on a continual rise, and many individuals are unhappy because they feel they are being forced to settle for less than their normal comforts.  Altering their lives, changing eating habits to newfangled diets, including what my son considers "leaves, seeds and weeds," along with other raw foods, that seem to have become the new way of providing nutrition in our nourishing habits.  Nevertheless, in the midst of  trials or unknown direction, we also need to wear a smile on our face, knowing that everything will work out, in due time.  

It actually takes more muscles and energy to sulk, be repulsive, or exhibit reproachable temperament, than to display graciousness, even under fire.

"A HAPPY HEART makes the Face CHEERFUL, but heartache crushes the spirit!" (Proverb 15:13)

Times have been altered, but would it actually kill a person to be kinder, rather than hardhearted?  We are faced with many moments of uncertainties in life, but the last thing we should allow ourselves to do is lash out at people we may see or speak to.  Even the nicest, most gentle person experience cruel behavior from some otherwise confused, miserable personalities.  However, it's imperative that we make an effort to treat others in the same way we each want to be viewed.  Some of us still have spouses or significant others who have committed themselves for life.  We continue to have a job that pays well enough, whether it's what we like doing or not, and provide material things that have accumulated right before our eyes.  You would think being in that state should make us happy.  Yet we don't even try to extend even a small dose of joy to someone else, who may or may not even be in need of kindness.  

I have always heard that SALVATION is FREE.  Well, when you think about it, so is giving a SMILE to someone.  It costs absolutely nothing, and  brightens an otherwise gloomy day for another.  Try it, you might like it!