We’ve been looking at five qualities that can make a big difference, not only in our personal lives but in our society and culture.

So far, we have considered virtues like trustworthiness, respect and responsibility. Today, I want to suggest two more qualities that can positively impact the condition of our world.

The fourth virtue has to do with fairness. Anyone can choose to be fair. Simply put, fairness is the ability to be impartial and just without showing favoritism or discrimination.

Fair people play by the rules. They know how to take turns and share. They are open-minded and willing to listen to others. They don’t take advantage of others.

In James 2:1, we are told not to show favoritism. The Psalmist says, “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” (Psalm 106:3) The Proverb writer tells us to “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:9)

This is what the Apostle Paul wrote to his young protege, Timothy: “I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality and to do nothing out of favoritism.” (1 Timothy 5:21)

Who do you know that is wise, slow to react, careful to consider all of the facts and ruthlessly committed to justice and fairness? What would it take for you to increase the rate of your own level of fairness?

The final virtue is love. Love has to do with showing great kindness and concern for others. Jesus summed up the more than 600 commandments in two powerful statements that have stood the test of time.

“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus said the two most important things in life are to love God and love people. Loving people possess qualities like kindness, compassion and gratitude. They are forgiving and willing to help others.

Can you imagine what would happen in your life, in your family and in this world if our collective love increased by 50 percent?

What might happen if we all decided to speak kind words, to show kindness, to be more courteous and sympathetic?

It would make a tremendous difference, wouldn’t it? Who is the most loving person you know? How loving of a person are you?

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].