I enjoy a well-written biography. Who was he? Where did
he come from? What formed his values? I am reading The Good Neighbor, about
the man who was part of shaping the lives of millions of children who visited
Mr. Roger’s neighborhood each day on television. A primary descriptive word the
author uses is kind, tracing Fred’s kindness to the example of
his wealthy parents who were active in caring for the poor of their city. Beyond
their example, he knew what it felt like to be treated badly. He was often
bullied as a child when he was overweight, isolated, and frequently ill. Fred Rogers wanted every child to feel loved
and invested his life in pursuit of that aim.
Kind – what a bland word, at first glance. We
may admire kindness but few of us consciously aspire to being ‘kind.’ Fred
Rogers made an easy target for the pseudo-sophisticates who mocked his cardigan
sweater and gentle tone. And, yet, children loved him, drawn to a man who had
time to notice their interests.
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. The
Word does not just suggest kindness to disciples. 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)
I feel the weight of those moments in my life when
impatience made me demanding or mean-spirited. I know how easy it is to speak critical
or harsh words, filled with judgment, that leave another’s heart broken. And I am thankful that God has worked to make
me a much kinder man than I once was, though that work has been at the cost of much
pain.
The world we live in desperately needs Christians who are
filled with kindness. In the cacophony of the raging culture wars, when
even Christians hurl Twitter broadsides at those with whom they differ within
the Body of Christ, I pray that God will make me gentle. Gentleness does not mean that we live without
conviction. Kindness does not make us fearful of taking a stand. Those who are
filled with the Spirit learn to trust Him and that deep faith makes us capable
of listening well so as to make even those with whom we disagree feel cared for,
persons who are loved by God.
Indeed, kindness is evidence of the life of the Spirit in
us! “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” God is kind to us. He does not treat us contemptuously,
does not refuse to hear us because we are ‘less’ to Him. He gives us good
gifts, loving us even when we are apathetic towards Him.
As you head into a new week, try a little kindness. In
prayer, thank God for His compassion. Repent for specific places where you have
been mean, judgmental, cruel, or careless.
And, then pray for kindness and let Him break your heart, take away your
fears, and make you gentle.
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)
_______
(an old song but a great thought)
If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and say, you're going the wrong way
You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Don't walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way
You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Glen Campbell
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