Colossians 3:12 (TNIV) [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Recently on my daily walk I came upon a simple homemade sign Saying, “Just Be Kind”. I thought that this sign must have some meaning to this family. I wondered what it was about?
I was also struck about how timely that message is for our current situation. Hateful rhetoric and divisive stances politically and religiously seem to create ever widening crevice’s in our society. Whenever we see the news there is some new rhetoric, some new tweet or action that has spawned bitterness, anger and hatred among people. Where is all of this going? I am sure of one thing, it is not reflective of the type of garment we are supposed to be wearing as followers of the Christ.
We are told to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. These are all things that cannot be shouted into the faces of another person or tweeted in response to something you despise.
Many in our culture have little or no experience with things such as Kindness and compassion. Just think, what would a little kindness do to influence our world? Kindness to those who are different than you, especially to those who think differently than you (as if you had all the answers). Kindness to those who have fallen into some trap that has wrecked their life. (as if we have never fallen). Kindness to your family member who has disappointed you. Kindness to your spouse when they have stepped on your last nerve. Kindness especially to those who are considered your rival politically or religiously. After all; isn’t that the type of kindness that came to you as a believer, undeserved, gracious kindness?
A few days after I saw the sign my curiosity grew about its origin and as someone was backing out of the driveway, I asked a young man who was driving what it was in reference to. He said; “I duuno my mom put it out there.” I was a bit disappointed, but then realized that is often what happens to positive messages in our culture. They are ignored, walked passed, even by those who are in the same family. What are we to do with the kindness that has been shared with us?
JUST BE KIND!
Mike