Engaging In Kind-Hearted Reflections

“Just as water reflects the face,

so one human heart reflects another.”

—Proverbs 27:19 (NRSV)

Designed and built to interact with each other, we humans are naturally intuitive in perceiving one other. If we get out of the wrong side of the bed in the morning, and tear the place up as we get ready, we can expect the energy of our aggression to rub off on others. Likewise, when we aim to interact with care and concern we inspire the same qualities in those we interact with.

Curse, and we become a curse; bless, and we become a blessing.

Mirrors Everywhere

We cannot hide in this life. The very design of life forces us to interact, if we are to live at all. We come into comparison and contrast with our fellow human beings. And we know that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17).

One of the reasons why we are blessed to choose wisely when it comes to someone to marry is we are not just tied to them in marriage. We are also tied to them, by association, by intellect, by social capacity, and the like.

The people we interact with have influence in defining us as we have influence in defining them.

When we interact with bullies, in being threatened by their behaviour, there is a rub off effect. No one willingly immerses themselves in being bullied, so we find ourselves in situations we feel we can do little about. On the positive side of the ledger, we thrive in the presence of people who uplift us. And we have known for years that the television we watch has its impact.

What are we to reflect? What do we immerse ourselves in?

Being of Kind-Hearted Reflection

Knowing that we have an impact on the people we interact with, as others have an impact on us, means we should be inspired to make the most of our reflective ability.

We should aim to make a positive impression.

Knowing that our kindness does make a difference in the lives of others, we are encouraged to draw down into God. The more we focus on God, the more devoted our journey with the Holy Spirit, the more we divest in the heart-work—the more our hearts are beautified, and the more our sinful natures are dealt with, and our characters are honed.

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Our kindness rubs off on others to make their lives better. When we understand our influence for God, we are won to the power in love, and we are compelled to grow grace from within. A heart trained in these ways pleases God, because it blesses others.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.