One day recently, I had a dream that I kept saying yes to people, and it turned out detrimental to my mental health. Before this dream, I remember being so concerned with kindness. But kindness, for me, equated to people pleasing and avoiding all conflict.

After that dream, something just clicked, and I realized that yes, we’re called to be kind (Galatians 5:22, 1 Corinthians 13:4). But kindness is not an excuse to avoid conflict, become a people pleaser or a “yes man.”

Now, instead, I’m trying to be more concerned with doing God’s will. Instead of wanting to be known as kind, I want to be known and remembered as someone who loves God consistently and without bounds – in public and in private.

I want to be known as someone who told the truth with kindness, but told the truth, nonetheless. I want to be known as someone who is so concerned with the will of God that I could care less about what anyone thought about me. I want to be so true to myself, that I enjoy a full life and sometimes that will mean saying no. I want to be remembered and known as someone who exudes a deep sense of joy that only God can give. And I hope the same for you.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 NIV

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Uncategorized Devotional Devotionals Freedom God Holy Spirit Jesus Kind Knowledge Life People People Pleasing Understanding Wisdom