Notes About The Poem

The plaque I refer to in my poem was chosen by me as an award in one of  Laura Loo's many generous contests that she used to sponsor. If you see this, Thanks again, Laura Loo

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Be Kind

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

On my living room wall there hangs a plaque which reads
“Be kind”
Ephesians 4:32

Silly me – I had believed that verse
to be the Bible’s shortest!
However, though the scripure is a bit longer than that,
“Be kind” captures the full scripture’s essence.

How difficult can it be to simply be kind?
Yet events in the world today
show how sadly lacking
this attribute is!

Imagine a world where kindness prevailed.
Strangers you dealt with often on a daily basis
smiled, were courteous and helpful, never being abrupt with you;
parents disciplining their children practiced love and consideration;
all people practiced the Golden Rule (another of my favorite scriptures);
husbands showed tender-heartedness toward their wives
and wives to their husbands the same.

How could there be domestic violence and abuse
if those in committed relationships 
understood the simplicity of being kind?
How could the cycle of abuse continue 
if it were never started in the first place?
It’s easy to be kind to friends and loved ones.
But to those who have wronged us -
forgiveness is the kindness
that will set us free!

Adultery, abuse in all its forms, rape, murder, and mayhem -
all of these would cease to be
if everyone were simply
kind.

June 5, 2020 for Chantelle Anne Cooke's Favorite Scripture Contest
July 17, 2021 for 'A Brian Strand July 18' Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Agustin Avatar
June 7, 2020 at 4:26 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing the truth of such Scripture verse through your awesome poetic way. God bless you.
A   Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 5:24 PM
Nice message Andrea, I agree with you. If we were to be kind all the time, we would not be facing the lows of life. Thank you for sharing. I will write you a soup mail, when I'm ready. Luv Linda
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 3:29 PM
During this pandemic here in Hawaii I have found everyone to be kinder than usual, maybe because we are all in the same boat. We share Aloha here and our numbers of deaths are only at 17. Most cases were from tourists which is why they closed the islands to flights and put them in quarantine for two weeks when they arrived. Sadly your poem has much truth Andrea. Congratulations on your wonderful win. Blessings xxoo
Watt Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 3:24 PM
You are a kind soul, and I know it is a trait you greatly admire in others. You are being a true poet in imaging the world being a better place, if this maxim were simply followed by all, "be kind one to another". Beautiful free verse poetry of a wonderful scripture verse, my friend. I congratulate and celebrate your win. Hugs ~ John
Leffanta Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 2:34 PM
Perhaps it would be easier if everyone realised we are all the same kind! Aloha! Rico
Mishra Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 1:42 PM
Your words reflect the beauty of your heart Andrea. God bless you for being such a great soul to think of kindness with depth. Congratulations on your win :)
Kauffman Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 1:16 PM
Words to live by, my friend! And, so easy to remember. Being kind is a choice we make after our initial reaction to people and events. It can be so difficult but it bears much fruit. Thank you for your reminder and congratulations!
Hinshaw Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 9:15 AM
Great sermon in poetic form, Andrea! Be kind or in other words follow the Golden Rule and to all others be less cruel! Stay safe - Bob H
One Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 8:56 AM
I agree Andrea...
Krutsinger Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 6:55 AM
"But to those who have wronged us" - this is the ticket, Andrea. To be kind to them is easy the first or third time they have wronged us, but the seventh times seventh time is a bit harder. I am kind not for others, but for myself. For I feel God wants us to be kind to ourselves so we can be kind to others. I love your scripture and your poem. A terrific reminder to all of us.
Pandit Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 6:23 AM
Every words dwells in message of kindness, Andrea. A thoughtful write in simple yet potent words.
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 6:04 AM
We live in a fast paced world with pressures causing some to be rude, impatient and aggressive because some people just can't cope. They have lessons to learn in this earth school. You convey a wonderful message to try to be kind to one another Andrea. Well expressed friend. Blessings xxoo
Cunningham Avatar
June 6, 2020 at 6:03 AM
An act of kindness goes a long way, if we all performed one kind act a day, what a difference it would make. Tom
Laurie Avatar
June 5, 2020 at 11:39 PM
Hello Andrea … I can only agree with everything you wrote in your verse. So many at this time are hell bent on aggravation. The causes are many but stress appears to cause a lot of tension - thanks again Andrea - Lindsay
Theraven Avatar
June 5, 2020 at 10:22 PM
Andrea, Some have it, kindness. What's the use of having a big heart if not but to have room enough to share with all? “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” - Abraham Lincoln
Bianco Avatar
June 5, 2020 at 9:04 PM
Hi Andrea, How simple and beautiful.. there's always the dark side of humanity who want mayhem-this is where the spare the rod spoil the child comes in, good luck in contest anthony
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