“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”
Phillipians 2:5 NIV
Let us recall the good old kung-fu movies. Typically, the protagonist begins as an ordinary person with potential until he meets a master. The master trains him and occasionally takes him into battle. You notice that as he grows older, especially during difficult times, memories of his master’s training or speeches will come to mind, which then encourage and strengthen him to fight on.
The takeaway is that you should imitate your master and the principles he has taught. As believers, we know who our master is, and he embodies exemplary character and principles. Kindness is one of Jesus’ consistent characteristics or dispositions. Remember his meeting with Zacheeus (Luke 19:1-10); How can we forget the healing of the leper (Matthew 8:1-4)? and what about Jarius’ daughter and the woman with a blood issue (Luke 8:40-56)?
The last two stories are interesting because Jarius was the first to approach Jesus about his daughter. On his way to him, Jesus encountered the sick woman and healed her, so that by the time he was finished, Jarius’ daughter had died.
Consider what would happen if this happened to you or in our current world. The most likely response would have been, “Well, man proposes, God disposes”. Jesus, on the other hand, said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping,” and then followed him to his home and raised his daughter. What a kindness to emulate!
Seeing all these examples, our anchor text admonishes you to desire and have the same mind and character as Jesus. You even have an advantage because the Holy Spirit lives and works in you.
Kindness is described in Galatians 5:22 as evidence of this spirit dwelling in you. Your life must be different if you have the Holy Spirit. The difference is demonstrated by how easily you forgive (Ephesians 4:31-32), how you manage relationships (Proverbs 15:1), and how you love others (John 13:34-35).
Today, examine your approach to kindness. Learn to listen with empathy, pay compliments, give generously, speak gracefully, and show genuine concern for others? It may seem difficult at times to take these steps, but know that God is working in you (Philippians 2:13), giving you the desire to be kind as well as the power to do so.
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 4-6