Strong spirits: kindness
Kindness is an act of war against evil.
Has anyone been kind to you lately? How did that feel? And how does it feel when you are kind to another? I think we all know how it feels when someone is unkind... not very good.
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 ). It is also a key attribute of the nature of God's love (1 Corinthians 13:4). It is far more than nice people being nice. It is an act of war against evil. The impact of our kindness (or unkindness) goes far beyond what we might imagine. That's why it is so important to be kind.
Kindness is an attitude before it can take shape as action. We need to prayerfully ask God to fill us with his kindness so we can be kind. So we can be Jesus to a very needy world. God is our model for kindness. "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." (Titus 3:4-5)
The world desperately needs kindness. Let's shape our world for good, one precious, kind, act at a time.
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
