Two old friends were walking home from a dinner they had just attended. One of the friends was in town for a few days, and so they were spending as much time catching up as they could. On their way, the friend who was hosting his guest stopped to buy an evening paper at the news stand that he frequented. He was very polite to the owner of the news stand, who in return, was less than gracious. The news stand owner was gruff, barely smiled, and did not even say thank you.

The visiting friend asked, “Why were you so polite?” The gentleman simply replied, “Oh that’s just Harry’s personality. He has always been that way.” The friend responded, “Maybe so, but you do not have to take that attitude from him.” The gentleman then said, “Friend, why should I let his demeanor change mine? Why should I let him dictate what type of person I am going to be? I, by the grace of God, have determined to be kind.” The friend spouted, “Yes, and people will walk all over you.” The gentleman responded, “Do you consider me to be your friend?” “Of course. We have been friends for many years. You are the best friend I have,” was his reply. The gentleman, putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder, smiled and whispered, “Have you ever considered that my demeanor is the reason our friendship has worked so well for so long?”

In this world, kindness may not be contagious. Kindness may not be respected. Kindness may even be criticized. But who really wants to be the person that everyone has to tolerate? We, as Christians, should consider that the Holy Spirit is like a dove. He is kind. He lives in us and, if we will allow Him to fill us, we can be kind. Do not let others dictate who or how you are going to be.