On Being Kind

To be kind is to be sympathetic and forbearing in spirit; to be gentle and considerate. Paul says this is to be the practice of Christians "to each other" first, then "to everyone else: "always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else" (1 Thessalonians 5:15b). Showing kindness "to each other" seems to be the toughest part for the Body of Christ to live out.

Ugly Christianity is not only a paradox and possibility, but too often an actuality. As is frequently seen between siblings, we Christians don't always act like we love each other. Touching on this very subject, Francis A. Schaeffer once wrote: "I have observed one thing among true Christians in their differences in many countries: What divides and severs true Christian groups and Christians--what leaves a bitterness that can last for 20, 30 or 40 years . . . is not the issue of doctrine or belief which caused the differences in the first place. Invariably it is a Jack of love--and the bitter things that are said by true Christians in the midst of their differences. These stick in the mind like glue."

Yes, unkindnesses will always "stick in the mind like glue." We Christians are in constant danger of straying from that simplicity which is found in Christ. If Jesus was any one thing while He walked this earth, He was kind. We need this constant reminder.

Back in 1965, my father died suddenly from a heart attack. Following my conversion in 1961, I had made necessary apologies to my stepmother for the bitter feelings I had carried against her. But when my father passed away, that previously cleansed bitterness struggled to enter my heart again. Though still young in the Lord, I'll never forget the Scripture the Holy Spirit used to give me victory: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).

But that was then; this is now. Regrettably, through the years I have not always been kind to family members and the Body of Christ. There have been occasions when I have spoken sharply, impatiently, even sarcastically. I have been thoughtless and insensitive. Had I once been filled with the Spirit? Yes. Had I ever made a full consecration to Christ? Yes. But inexcusably, I had walked in the flesh; I had acted (and reacted) as a mere man; I had fallen short of God's glory. I would like to believe that this fruit of the Spirit--kindness, is being brought to a greater maturity in my life as I grow in the Lord. And yet, as long as I am on this side of eternity, I'm sure that I'll always need to pray: "Forgive [me] my debts, as [I] have forgiven [my] debtors."

God says, "be kind to each other." Be kind to those in your local church as well as to those in the neighboring local church (whether it wears your particular denominational label or not). Be kind to the weak Christian as well as to the strong Christian. Be kind to the younger Christian as well as to the older Christian. Be kind to the Christian you disagree with as well as the one you agree with. Be kind to those who oppose you, criticize you, snub you and reject you. Be kind to the conservative as well as to the liberal Christian. Be kind to the poor Christian as well as the wealthy Christian. Be kind to the Christian who has greater gifts than you do as well as the one who has lesser gifts. Be kind to the "in" group as well as the "out" group. We need not forfeit anything in order to be kind.

What about it my friend–how do you measure up? Can you join with me asking God's forgiveness for the times when you have been unkind? Think about it, then just maybe you will pray about it . . . "always try to be kind to each other . . ."