Welcome to episode 38 of This Is The Way, a short and simple podcast focusing on a spiritual discipline, a fruit of the Spirit, and scripture.

There's a reason that Kindness is the fifth fruit of the spirit, you need the first four, first. Love, Joy, Peace, and Patience, all preceding Kindness.

Joy-filled people are grateful, peace-filled people are content. Grateful and content people are kind.

When we are grateful, we express our thankfulness for our circumstances, surroundings, and grace. When we are content, our internal dependence on circumstances and surroundings is overshadowed by God's grace. We are no longer held back by expressing thankfulness only when things are going right. When we are content, we can be grateful even in the hardest of times. When we are thankful, we narrow our focus and shift our gaze to what is directly in front of us. We're not worried about what tomorrow will bring, not obsessing over yesterday's mistakes. In Proverbs, we're encouraged to: "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." Proverbs­4:25-27

The answer to anxiety is peace. Paul wrote from prison, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ­Philippians 4:6-7

'Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. ' Philippians 4:8-9

If you have a thought, prayer, or prayer request, please leave a voicemail here.

I'm looking for people to give little (5min) devotional this month on solitude of kindness. If you're interested or know someone who might be, let me know: [email protected]

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/this-is-the-way-pod/message