By: Rex Stump
In 2020 we faced a world-wide pandemic that will forever change our lives. But today it seems another pandemic threatens our world. It’s more than a physical virus, it’s an internal sickness, whose symptoms are painful to others. Meanness.
It doesn’t take long to look around and find someone treating another person in a mean way. We’ve seen it, we have felt it…we are discouraged by it for sure.
What we need is a dose of kindness! In a sin-diseased world that affects all mankind, how are we to be kind to others? It begins with knowing the truth that God is kind and shows kindness to us.
Often in the Old Testament the Hebrew word for kindness (Psalm 116:5) is used to describe God, also translated as favor, merciful, or loving. Easily said, God is kind.
God is kind and He shows us His infinite kindness! His undeserved kindness is translated grace. Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve. God extends His loving kindness, and His favor upon us who don’t deserve it.
Ephesians 2:7 “So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”
In Mark 6:30-34 Jesus and his disciples are emotionally and physically needing a break. But instead, there is kindness and compassion shown to the crowds who are in need.
God is kind, Jesus shows kindness…His Spirit empowers us with kindness. (Galatians 5:22)
Kindness…it’s easily recognized, it’s powerful, it’s inspiring…and yet it is sometimes hard to share. But as a child of God…it’s in you. “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus…” Galatians 3:26.
As children of God, 2 Peter 1:3 says, “by his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” Romans 8:11, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.
And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
YOU have all you need! But are you kind? In your home, work, social media, or team? Do your actions and words display kindness?.
As commanded in Ephesians 4:32, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Showing kindness isn’t always easy, but easier when you see the value in others. It’s hard to be kind to others when we don’t honor or respect them. It’s hard to be kind to people when we forget they have value.
Just because they are on the “other” team, from a “different” neighborhood, or act unlike you…is no excuse for holding back kindness. Look at others, not viewing their differences, instead treat people like Jesus died for them.
Like your Heavenly Father, revealed by Jesus, and empowered by His Spirit…be kind.
———————–
Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.