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Let Me Be a Little Kinder

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A popular song that made a big impression on me as a teenager seemed to be a prayer. I say “seemed” because the song didn’t mention God or prayer. It also didn’t sound like any religious music I’d ever heard. The lyrics were deceptively simple—big truths about character and success in life expressed humbly and winsomely. I wanted to be like that, I remember thinking. It was the best sermon I’d ever heard.

 

Let Me Be a Little Kinder

Let me be a little kinder,

Let me be a little blinder

To the faults of those about me;

Let me praise a little more.

 

Let me be when I am weary

Just a little bit more cheery,

Think a little more of others

And a little less of me.

 

Let me be a little braver

When temptation bids me waver;

Let me strive a little harder

To be all that I should be. 

 

Let me be a little meeker

With the brother that is weaker;

Let me think more of my neighbor

And a little less of me. 

 

Let me be when I am weary,

Just a little bit more cheery;

Let me serve a little better

Those that I am striving for. 

 

Let me be a little meeker

With the brother that is weaker,

Think a little more of others

And a little less of me.

—Glen Campbell

 

If that was what religion was all about, I also remember thinking, it wasn’t so bad. It would be a few more years before I read from the Bible for the first time, but when I did I was pleasantly surprised to learn that was what true Christianity was all about—loving God and others. I was also pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to muster that love from within myself. It is a gift from God, freely available to anyone who asks for it. All it takes is a simple, sincere prayer. Like that song.

 

Keith Phillips

Keith Phillips is a writer and editor. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

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