2020 was a rough year, yet the pandemic spawned some positives we hope carry on. For example, we spent more time with family, we became more efficient and responsible consumers, we found ourselves valuing people more, we even prioritised sleep, among many other things. With 2021 now here, what behaviours are you continuing with? Here are some traits to carry forward: Love Let us continue being each other’s keeper, not just with family, but colleagues, neighbours and so forth. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 that ‘love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.’ Communication There is no bond without proper communication, be it your spouse, colleagues, children, or friends. Endeavour to understand each other’s emotions and thoughts. It is imperative to communicate with no intentions of hurting each other, by knowing what to say and when. Colossians 4:6 reminds us that our conversation should always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone. Giving 2020 has been a tough year as many people lost their jobs due to the pandemic. You probably have a friend or relative that needs or needed some financial help. Even if some people don’t know how to ask for help, provide any assistance to the deprived, by money, a job, food, or any other way you can think of. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Forgiveness Has someone hurt you so much that you don’t feel like they deserve forgiveness? Before you harden your heart towards them, please think of how many times you have offended God, but He is still merciful to you. Ephesians 4:32 heartens you to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. Honesty No one wants to associate with a dishonest person. You can’t trust someone who never keeps anything to themselves or is deceitful. With honesty, a person is expected to be upright, fair, truthful, open, and free from deceit. In Proverbs 12:22, it says that the Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. A mind for business Instead of sitting around waiting for a job to ‘come to you’, how about creating a business that can earn you some money. It all starts with the mind. Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
