“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
A wise woman once said “experience is not the best teacher, the word of God is” and isn’t this the truth? We’ve all had all kinds of experiences in the past — the good, bad, and ugly. Yet, the word of God should trump our experiences, especially how we react to them.
The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
It says “scripture” not “experiences”. The word of God is above our experiences. It is from it that we learn how to live and behave and respond to situations, not from our experiences or those of people around us. It is important we acknowledge this especially as it concerns our relationship with others.
We currently live in a world where people want to “return the energy” they receive from others, even if that means being unkind. Hear this, in a world where people are being mean towards one another you can be different because you are actually different. Don’t you know you’re a disciple of Jesus and you are not of this world?
See the instructions of Jesus;
“…Love your enemies and continue to treat them well. When you lend money, don’t despair if you are never paid back, for it is not lost. You will receive a rich reward and you will be known as true children of the Most High God, having His same nature. Be like your Father who is famous for His kindness to heal even the thankless and cruel. Overflow with mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for all.” – Luke 6:35 (TPT)
Look, regardless of what anyone has done to you, Jesus instructs you to be kind. This is your nature, you have it and can give it (Galatians 5:22). As a believer, you can afford kindness even when you don’t have money in your bank.
Be kind in your words and actions. Be kind to your friends, your employer, co-workers, neighbors, employees, regardless of the hierarchy of their role in the business. They don’t have to deserve it, you too didn’t have to deserve God’s kindness before He chose to die for you. In a world of so much cruelty and social media “wokeness”, choose to let Jesus be seen in you because of your kindness.
CONFESSION:
I am kind to everyone, even to the most undeserving.
I’m not harsh in my words. I’m not inhumane in my actions.
I have empathy towards people
I treat others like someone whom Christ died for
As a child of God, I imitate Him in my love walk
Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 24:36-44, Hebrews 13:1-8, Proverbs 30, Isaiah 62-64