By Lisa Wilmore
Scripture to Ponder: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…” (Col. 3:12-14).
My Dear Friends,
As we continue the journey on clothing ourselves with the characteristics of Christ, this week’s message hinges on “kindness”. What does it mean to be KIND? If you study, investigate, or explore the word “kind”, you will find other words noted in dictionaries and other resources with the synonymous meaning of the word “kind” such as: benevolence, care, concern, courtesy, friendliness, gentleness, goodness, grace, heart, helpfulness, hospitality, loving, sweetness, tenderness, thoughtfulness, understanding and unselfish. God’s word declares to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:31-31 NIV).
Therefore, as God chosen people, we must clothe ourselves with kindness. Which simply means that we must be willing to understand the un-understandable; love the unlovable; extend hospitality and helpfulness, unselfishly to other believers and nonbelievers. Since we are God’s chosen people, Paul admonished us in the aforementioned text that we must put on compassion, “kindness”, and humility.
I believe that God creates moments for His people to show kindness in order to reveal His true nature and that He is still present with us on earth. Even though there are God-created moments, we must also be responsible for intentionally disclosing acts of kindnesses to people, which positively impact kingdom building while touching the lives of those persons who have lost hope or who have no hope at all. Interestingly, to make mention of, Martin Luther King in one of his famous quotes, said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” In other words, what kindnesses do you show to others that make them feel loved?
Most importantly, showing kindness to others doesn’t mean that one must do things that are so enormous until the world sees it and spews out accolades to the individual. No! Showing kindness to one another is when the heart truly loves and desires to make others feel loved, appreciated, and valued. Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” “Kindness is being someone who makes everyone feel like a somebody.” (noted in randomactsofkindness.org). So, today is your day (and days to come) to show kindness to someone as Jesus showed kindness to us. As God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with kindness. Who knows, you may help save a soul.
Jesus Saves!
