Devotions on Kindness by Steven Curtis ChapmanSample

Day 2

What if?

If people were to choose one word to describe you, what might that word be? For me, they might say “musician” or “Christian recording artist.” Ok, so that’s actually three words—but you get the idea! The point is, we’re often known by what we do.

The challenge in that is God’s Word teaches us that our identity is not in what we do; it’s in what Jesus has already done. That’s the point of the story of the Bible. No matter what our one word might be, it falls short. Musician, doctor, humanitarian, pastor, Sunday School teacher, you name it—we can’t do enough. We can’t be enough.

We are saved by Jesus alone, because Jesus alone is the Son of God who came to earth and lived a perfect life and then sacrificed that perfect life on a cross. He died to pay for our sins, then He rose from the dead to bring us new life.Jesus changes everything. That’s why I don’t want to be known simply for the things I have done in this world. Jesus has saved me, so my word should be deeper than that. I want to be known as someone who forgives, shows patience, and demonstrates kindness. I want to be known as someone who loves. As I do the work God allows me to do in the world, I want to be known as someone who lives out the qualities of Christ through His Spirit in me.

The apostle Paul agreed. As God’s chosen ones whom He dearly loves and has made holy, we ought to live that way. And what if we did? What if we lived with hearts of kindness? What if we loved like we’ve been loved? The truth is, even if that’s all people remember us for, it will be more than enough.

• Based on Colossians 3:12-14, why should you live with a heart of kindness?
• What is one word that describes your character? What if your one word was“kind”? What changes would take place in your life this week?
• Thank Jesus for changing everything. Ask Him to help you put on His kindness as you do the work that He has given you to do in this world.