Be Kind, Always

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

A few years ago, I noticed a tee shirt with the saying When you can be anything, be kind printed on the front. Then I started seeing other things such as cards, key chains, wallets, and posters with the same graphic. At first, I was impressed by the thoughtful sentiment of those seven words. Then I realized how sad the message really was. When did we become a society that had to remind ourselves to be kind to one another?

In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encouraged believers to live in a way that honors God’s gift of saving grace. Shrugging off the negative attitudes and emotions of the world isn’t easy. We can quickly fall into the trap of social media bullying and counter-culture mindset due to mental and physical stress from the burden of daily life. Here are three reasons Christians should strive to exercise kindness to those around us.

• We represent Christ. In everything we do, we want to look more like our Savior every day. When being kind to someone is especially difficult, remember that at the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. He included Judas, even though He knew of Judas’ betrayal. If Christ could wash the feet of Judas, we can show kindness to everyone, including our enemies.

• We have the choice to show God’s love. Hateful actions because of malice or revenge are easy to slip into. Christians are still human with human failings. However, we have strength in Christ to overcome the urge to allow selfish thoughts and desires to engulf us.

• We have a mission. God calls believers to spread the good news of salvation to all people. There has never been a time when that message has been more urgent. Christians can do good deeds, but without love, good deeds mean nothing. In choosing kindness and forgiveness, we follow Christ’s example.

Jesus did not promise that living the Christian life would be easy. He did promise that He would walk each day beside us. That He would comfort us in sorrow and strengthen us through trials. Through Him, we have the ability to share His love with others. Let us share that love by choosing kindness in an unkind world.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Remind me that choosing kindness allows others to experience Your grace through me.