8:00AM: Vanguard Scouting (LDS) Daily Devotions

Monday, 07/24: Kind

Scripture

2 Samuel 2:6 – “May the LORD now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.”

Thought for the Day

King Saul had died. David was now king. It wasn’t exactly a smooth transition of power and there were a lot of bitter feelings after the dust had settled over the battlefields. Remembering the kindness Saul showed them in the early part of his reign, the people of Jabesh-Gilead, in the north bravely recovered Saul’s body and provided a proper and respectful burial. David, crowned king in the southern kingdom, knew those in the north would not be quick to accept him as king. He wisely went to Jabesh-Gilead, recognized them for their kindness and pledged to treat them with similar kindness. Lovingkindness, along with truth were twin virtues in ancient Israel and they remain so today, especially for those in the worldwide Scouting movement.

Have you heard the story of Xavier Marshall? A sixth grader at a middle school in Missouri, he makes sure he says hello and offers a high-five to every student on his hour-long bus ride to and from school. Being kind does not cost one thin dime, but the benefits are priceless. Xavier cannot quite remember how or why he got started, but once he did, he saw how much of a difference it made at both the start and end of his classmates’ days. Being kind lifts the spirit of both people involved in the exchange and it is likely to be contagious, in a good way, of course!

Rabbi Zelig Pliskin offers 20 ideas for being kind at https://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/20-ideas-being-kind/ They are not difficult by any means, but it requires intentional effort on our part to make this sort of behavior a function of our daily lives and how we interact with others. The other great benefit of being kind is that it is a “two-way street.” Some iteration of “The Golden Rule” exists in nearly every faith tradition. The more we are kind to others we will find we are treated with more kindness ourselves. It’s a win-win for everyone, in Scouting and beyond!

Questions for Discussion

• Did you check out Rabbi Pliskin’s list? Which do you do regularly? Which can you learn to do?
• What act of kindness comes to mind that you can do in the next hour?

Prayer

Merciful God, Scripture tells of Your never-failing loving kindness. Teach me to always be kind to others, not necessarily expecting anything in return. A Scout is kind. Amen.