(Ephesians 4:31-32) “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put away from you, along with all hatred. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in the Messiah.”
(1 Corinthians 13:2-3) “If I have the gift of prophecy and can understand all secrets and every form of knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains but have no love, I am nothing. Even if I give away everything that I have and sacrifice myself, but have no love, I gain nothing.”
In this aggressive world, kindness is a sign of weakness. Our natural response is founded on bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, slander and hatred. We are warned that being too kind will make us an easy target for bullies. But remember, there is someone bigger out there and He is always watching. That’s right, God. He is the one that will judge or forgive us, based on our love for others. We are asked to show kindness and mercy one to another, just as God did by forgiving us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Love, kindness, gentleness, and compassion are traits that separate those who have the power of the Holy Spirit from those whp are still governed by their powerful flesh. Loving the unlovable, and showing kindness to those that don’t deserve it is only possible for those who have experienced God’s love and forgiveness first. Spiritual power, miracles, faith to move mountains, healing the sick, or preaching like Billy Graham means nothing and is of no profit if you have no love as a foundation for doing it.
Being a Christian is not only about going to church and reading the Bible but it actually requires being kind and loving to the point of getting mocked by others for doing so. It is being quiet when insulted, giving the other cheek when slapped, giving onto those that you believe do not deserve it, and taking the time to answer questions from someone who is just being difficult on purpose. It is in our apparent weakness that God shines and shows His true power.
Are you the kind of person who gives his seat to an elderly person on the bus? Do you smile at the person who cut before you in line with only a few things in the supermarket? Especially when they do it on purpose knowing you were there first? Do you greet your spouse with a smile after he/she made you wait long in the car while they got their things in order? Do you answer with love to the person that insults you for following Christ and having faith?
At times being kind and compassionate is not easy, but if God has asked us to do it, then He knows it is possible.
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, Lord, You are acquainted with all my ways. Lord, who goes before me. He who rides the heavens to help and in His Excellency on the clouds.
• Thank You for showing kindness and compassion to us. Teach us how to do the same to others.
• Help us leave behind all signs of bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, slander, and hatred.
• We declare that will be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving one another just like You did for us through the Messiah.
• Let everything we do be based on the love for the lost and compassion for those suffering.
• We declare that those that have made fun of us for being weak and quiet will see us rise in honor because of the glory of Your name.
• We will no longer be only tolerated, but we will be celebrated for the power of God that works through us.
• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen