Proverbs 3:3-4

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man.

The Bible from time to time mentions the strife there is between the things of God and the things of the world. If you keep track of current events, you see it everyday. No prayer in school. No church and state. As every year passes by, the acknowledgement of Christmas decreases.

In this proverb, we see two things that are commendable both by God and all men - kindness and truth. They are to be characteristics of the Christian at all times. They are to be with us in season and out of season -- in favor and in persecution -- in riches and in poverty.

Who in the world scoffs at kindness and truth? Even those who are extreme in their opposition to Christianity will only go so far when Christians operate in kindness and truth.

If you are prone to leave kindness and truth behind when the heat is turned up in your situation, commit this proverb to memory, and have it at hand when the occasion presents itself.

1 Peter 3:15 - but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.