Be Kind

Be Kind.

This phrase is not unique to Christianity. You can find that idea everywhere. Most religions and philosophies have it. In that way, it is a little like the Golden Rule. Some version of it can be found a lot of places.

"Be kind" is not unique to Christianity, but the way Christianity develops the idea, now that is rather unique.

Jesus has a MAJOR UPGRADE about kindness.

First, Jesus VASTLY expanded the people to whom we are kind. We are kind not just to family or neighbors or friends. We are also kind to the stranger and the outsider. We are kind to those who are quite different from us.

Jesus said it like this: It is no sweat to love those who love you. It's no challenge to be good to your friends. Anyone can do that. But I want you to LOVE (be kind) to your enemies. To those who make life hard for you.

Second, Jesus prioritized the people who needed kindness: the hurting, the lowly, the oppressed, those who suffer injustice and unfairness, those who have been dealt an unusually hard hand of suffering, those who cannot help themselves.

Everyone needs kindness. Some people need it more than others and need a lot more of it than others.

Third, Jesus promised the power you need to be kind to people you don't like. Yes, you read that right. There are people you don't like, for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons you may find it easy to justify. The point is, there are people you will meet throughout your week that you don't like and, therefore, you won't be kind to them. You won't even want to be kind to them. And Jesus says, "BE KIND, good, loving, patient, long-suffering, and go the extra mile of KINDNESS."

And you say to Jesus, "I just can't do it. It is not in my power."

Jesus replies back, "I know you can't, but with the power of my love and grace in you, all things are possible. Step out in faith and obedience, trust in the Holy Spirit within you, and Be Kind."

As Jesus looked at the crowds that were harassed, trodden, and without a "shepherd" to care, encourage, and help them, he had great compassion and wanted to help them.

The harvest of hurting people is immense. Pray God will send workers of kindness out into that harvest. And I love the fact that no sooner did Jesus pray that Jesus sent his disciples OUT into the HARVEST.

I'm sure you've heard that phrase before.

It is so true and it is right here that Christians have wonderful opportunities.

Far too many people are living with a kindness DEFICIT. They don't have enough kindness in their lives; not enough kind people being kind.

Everyone needs a good Samaritan-Christian to help them out with the struggles of life. The wounded are not always lying on the side of the road and obvious. Sometimes they walk right past you with a smile on their face. Sometimes they work in a cubicle near yours. Sometimes they are a few houses away.

Sometime SIMPLE is BEST. Here is SIMPLE.

Kindness is good.
Kindness works. It make a difference.
You will rarely EVER have to apologize for being kind.
People need your kindness.
Be KIND.
Repeat this often.

With You on Our Mission of KIndness,
Pastor Brian Rice