KindnessSample

Let kindness lead us

Many of us have heard this scripture read out at weddings or engagements, a model of how husband and wife should treat each other in marriage. And it’s a beautiful way to love and honor your spouse. However, when Paul wrote this passage, he wasn’t preaching at a wedding – he was talking to the church. And this passage is talking to us today.

Loving people requires us to show, amongst other things, a lot of kindness. And this can be difficult, especially when dealing with challenging or hurtful people. But Jesus showed us that true love that goes below the surface and looks at every single person with compassion and mercy is kind. It’s kind in the face of animosity. It’s kind in the face of pain. It’s kind in the face of rejection.

To show the love of Jesus to a hurting and broken world is to show kindness to hurting and broken people. When Jesus hung on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive the people who were seeking His crucifixion (Luke 23:34). That is love and kindness in its purest form, forgiveness and compassion on those who seek to hurt us. And as followers of Jesus, it’s what we’re called to do. We’re called to love others and show them the same grace and kindness God shows us.

It won’t always be easy, and, at times, it will take a long time to show kindness to someone, but if we keep His Word close to our hearts and if we seek the help of the Holy Spirit, we’ll be able to love and show kindness like Jesus.

Written by LEILA ARMSTRONG