Reflection

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” –Harold S. Kushner

Prayer

God of goodness,

We admit we aren’t like you. You are steadfast towards us, with a love that has no conditions. Yet we find it challenging to love those who are unloving towards us. It is not easy for us to be kind when we are treated without regard. And when gratitude is lacking, serving others can wear us down. Amid such struggles, help us remember that we too can be unloving, unkind, and ungrateful at times. Fill us with your spirit, so that our character may be transformed to be more like yours. And may we do good for others simply because its right, not because of who they are or what we get in return. Amen.

Call to Action

When I am tempted today to return someone’s unkindness with the same unkindness, ask for the strength to practice the “golden rule” instead: to treat others the way I want to be treated, regardless of how they treat me.