The Taylor Swift Effect: Kindness
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
The Bible talks about KINDNESS a lot, especially in the New Testament. Why? Kindness is part of love, and ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:16)!
Kindness opens a doorway to the heart.
It unlocks our defensive barriers.
It sidesteps “logical” irritations.
It bridges cultural separations.
It disarms angry men ready to fight.
It helps lift the load of heavy burdens.
It soothes the pain of hurts that haven’t healed.
It enables reconciliation.
Taylor Swift is noted for her kindness to followers and to people in need. Her fans feel “seen” and appreciated. In turn, they appreciate her more!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Kindness is both a spiritual fruit and a mandatory part of your life. It’s an appreciated calling card that opens communication channels in all cultures and faiths (or lack thereof).
But remember, kindness must be practiced. It’s not natural for our selfish selves. If we show it and give it anyway, we’ll increasingly reflect the True Star, and our “glow” (on stage and off) increases!
The Taylor Swift Effect: Kindness (Part 6)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
LINKS, NOTES & THINGS TO CONSIDER:
What Does the Bible Say About Kindness?
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The Taylor Swift Effect: Hospitality
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 24:34-40 (ESV)
Taylor Swift’s fans feel welcomed and special, because she invites them into her life:
Acoustically, through compelling songs,
Virtually, through social media,
And literally, as guests in home!
Was it done to grow her popularity? Was it done to energize her fanbase? Or does the pop star actually care? Indications point us to the latter.
She regularly greets fans after her shows. When they can’t come to her, she goes to them, visiting kids in Children’s Hospitals.
Undoubtedly, the most effective way the popstar extends hospitality is loving people from all walks of life, including those who’ve been marginalized.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
God commands us to hospitality… throughout the Bible, cover-to-cover. This order was reaffirmed by Jesus.
But our self-centered isolationism, our prejudices and antagonism, overflow like a dirty toilet tank. They corrupt our hearts, minds, and decisions.
Where does this leave you? Right where God wants you! YOU WERE CHOSEN for a time such as this!
When other Christians circle their wagons…
In judgmental and arrogant outrage at the glaring faults they see in others,
In cold-hearted, high-fenced, barbed-wire disdain toward the poor begging at our borders,
In “money-matters-most” calculations, forgetting the focus of our Savior…
You’re the King’s welcoming ambassadors: shining brightly and opening your arms– to the lost, poor and lonely fans you meet!
The Taylor Swift Effect: Hospitality (Part 7)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
LINKS, NOTES & THINGS TO CONSIDER
Famous Philanthropists: Taylor Swift | Project Heart.
Luke 11:5-8 NKJV - A Friend Comes at Midnight - And He - Bible Gateway
2 Samuel 9 NKJV - David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth - Bible Gateway
Luke 14:7-24 GNT - Humility and Hospitality - Jesus - Bible Gateway