BIBLE PASSAGE:
Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:32)
MEDITATION:
Whenever we surrender our lives to the Lord, it is a call for a
change in our lives, and an agreement on our part that we will
accept and embrace the changes.
In order for us to change, we will have to turn the spotlight from
ourselves, and point it toward God and toward others. It doesn’t
mean we are no longer important, but our importance has shifted.
We become more focused on having a positive influence on others
and pleasing God, than we are on pleasing ourselves. We learn to
be ‘selfless’ instead of ‘selfish’, and we have no problem making
sacrifices when needed in order to be kind to others.
Once we accept our new role, we will discover the joy associated
with encouraging and lifting the spirits of others. It is a significant
change that requires an effort on our part to start being kind to all
people. Why? Because we are told by God’s Word to,
“be kind and compassionate to one another”
When we develop a characteristic of being kind, we are following the
lead of our Savior, Jesus (the One who is kind to us). We show that we
have chosen to obey the instructions He has given to those who
genuinely belong to Him.
Here are a few scriptures related to kindness.
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.
(Proverbs 12:25)
Others are blessed by our kindness (that should be
our inspiration and motivation for being kind).
Those who are kind benefit themselves,
but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
(Proverbs 11:17)
We benefit from being kind to others.
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which
he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us;
yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according
to his compassion and many kindnesses.
(Isaiah 63:7)
We should be ready to tell others
of the Lord’s kindness to mankind.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not
envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
(1 Corinthians 13:4)
Kindness is an indication we have a Godly love in our hearts.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
(Galatians 5:22)
Kindness shows we have at least one of the Spiritual fruits.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly
loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience.
(Colossians 3:12)
Kindness shows our desire to ‘wear God’ in our daily lives.
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but
must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
(2 Timothy 2:24)
We are not given the luxury of choosing which people
will receive our kindness, we are instructed to
“be kind to everyone”.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them
show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility
that comes from wisdom.
(James 3:13)
Kindness shows we are including humility
and Godly wisdom in the way we live.
ACTION:
We may think, “I’m always kind to others”, and maybe we
are, but have we ever been rude, or inconsiderate of others.
Have we ever ignored someone when they are talking? Have
we ever started talking while someone else is talking? Have
said things about others to someone else, that we don’t want
anyone saying about us?
Do we ignore others when they reach out to us (through a phone
call, text, card, etc.)? If we have, then why would we do that?
Is it because we don’t like them?
Jesus loved those who were bent on causing problems for Him.
Is it because we think we are too important for them?
Jesus taught us to be humble.
Is it because they are not in our close circle of friends?
Jesus invited everyone to communicate with Him,
including those who are shy, different, and rejected by others.
Think about this. There may be someone who is having a difficult
time and it has caused them to have a low self-esteem (and maybe
even put them on the brink of depression). As followers of Jesus, we
don’t ever want to be guilty of adding to their low self image by
ignoring them in any shape, form or fashion.
Is it because we are too busy?
Jesus was ‘on mission’ for His Father and knew His
time was limited, but He always took the time to listen
to others, to encourage them, and never to add to their
feelings of being ignored and unwanted.
Even in the crowd, Jesus took time to address the woman
who touched His garment. Even though others despised
the dishonest tax collector, Zacchaeus, Jesus didn’t join
in their efforts to ignore him and treat him as an outcast.
Instead, Jesus let him know that, although he was taking
advantage of others, he was still important because he was
created by God. Not only did Jesus make a special effort to
talk to this small man who others disliked, but He went to
his house! And what impact did it have on Zacchaeus? He
said to the Lord,
“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions
to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything,
I will pay back four times the amount.”
(Luke 19:8)
We have the potential of impacting others in the same way.
Jesus taught us to love even the outcast, and yet we may be guilty
of treating good people as outcasts, by the way we fail to respond
to them and acknowledge their importance. And why would we do
that? Is it an indication that our arrogant pride and egotism is being
exposed by our actions?
If someone asked you to tell about the last time you showed kindness
to someone (with no expectations of anything in return), how would
you respond? When was the last time you made a special effort to
be kind to someone by encouraging them, by lifting their spirits,
or by doing something special for them that was unexpected?
When we are followers of Jesus, it means we should have a desire
to mimic His actions and attitudes. When we are true believers,
we will try to develop the characteristics of the One we claim to
be following. And, when we do, we will know that being kind is
not an option, it is an expectation and command from the Lord.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for not obeying Your commands
including your command to be kind to others. Help me to make
the changes I need to make in my life so that I will take seriously
my responsibility of being kind, regardless of whether or not it
is well received, or appreciated. Remind me that showing kindness
is proof that I have a desire to obey and please You and to become
more like Jesus. Help me to be sensitive and look for opportunities
to be kind to others. Give me the wisdom to know when others need
some encouragement, and to know what to do or say at the right time.
Thank You for Your incredible kindness to me!”
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