“You stupid little …” the words were ugly and mean, flung at
a child who needed correction but her words only wounded an already hurting
boy. The husband who was frustrated by his wife yelled in anger, “just shut up!”
The older woman looked at the young
parents who were struggling with a toddler having a tantrum with a scowl, then
at me with the most disgusted facial expression. Yes, those things happened
around me in the last week. In them I witnessed the cruel side of human
relationships. As you well know, these situations are not rare or unique.
So, I
pray- “Lord, help me to be kind!”
Kind – what a bland word, right? The king of kindness, the late Fred Rogers, made an easy target for the pseudo-sophisticates who mocked his cardigan sweater and gentle tone. They misunderstand his gentleness for weakness, his engagement with others in a caring way, as evidence of a lack of power. Still, children loved him because they were drawn to a man who had time to notice their interests. It was not just kids who came to love Rogers. He left a wide circle of people who recognized a special kind of influence that came from his kind nature.
Are you kind? A kind person is of a gentle nature,
helpful, and readily showing concern for others. A good measure of patience
is required as well.
My Christian friend, God does not merely suggest kindness to those of us who profess to be followers of Jesus. God requires it of us. Contrasting two very different ways of life, Paul writes "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NIV)
That passage speaks to ME! I am painfully aware of those moments in my life when impatience or stress turned me into a demanding man, caustic, and mean-spirited. I know how easy it is to speak critical words that are loaded with judgment, rather than healing words. But, I also rejoice that God has softened my heart, making me a much more kind man than I once was. Yes, that kindness has emerged in the hard times of personal loss.
Those who walk alongside of us in life desperately need Christians who are marked by kindness. Our raging culture wars are frightfully noisy, word grenades tossed into situations bringing hurt and pain. We need to take time to think how that Facebook post will be heard by others. We need to consider that listening and creating a safe place for conversation is so much more productive than just ‘taking a stand’ regardless of who is wounded in the process. We need to pray that God will make us kind!
Kindness and gentleness do not mean that we live abandon all convictions, that
we throw out what is right or true. But, it does mean that we see people before
policy, that we are careful to sort through our preferences to know what is
actually ‘truth.’
Kindness does not rob us of courage or conviction. The love of God that secures us gives us an ability to listen, to love, to walk gently with those with whom we disagree. We remember, first and foremost, that those who are different, disagreeable, or difficult are people that are loved by God.
Kindness is evidence of the life of the Spirit in us! The Word tells us that “The fruit (evidence) of the Spirit (in us) is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5.22) We are called to kindness by God Himself, Who does not give us ‘what we deserve’ but rather Who is kind to us. He does not treat us with contempt not does He refuse to hear us because we are ‘less’ to Him. He gives us good gifts, loving us even when we are apathetic towards Him. "But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:4-5, NLT)
As you head into a new week, try a little kindness. In prayer, thank God for His compassion. Ask the Lord to make your heart tender, not weak, but kind. Confess to Him those situations when you are mean, judgmental, cruel, or careless. And, then pray for kindness. You will become a true agent of change in a cruel world when you are filled with the Spirit’s fruit of kindness.
Here is a word from the Word - "Love is patient,
love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not
rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
wrongs." (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)
Lord, help me to be kind today. Amen.
(Video of this blog at this link)
____________________
Gentle Shepherd come and lead us
For we need You to help us find our way
Gentle Shepherd come and feed us
For we need Your strength from day to day
There's no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day
Gentle Shepherd come and lead us
For we need You to help us find our way
Gloria Gaither | William J. Gaither
© 1974 William J. Gaither, Inc. (Admin. by Gaither Copyright Management)
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