Be Kind – Devotion 36

What comes to mind when you think about being kind?  Do you think of giving something to someone else?  Does it bring to mind someone you know that exudes kindness?  Do you consider ways that you can scroll past the things on social media that make you angry?  Does kindness mean not getting angry?  Does kindness mean always smiling?  Is being kind even a thing?

It seems to be a phrase that is written and spoken quite a bit lately.  I have a sticker on my computer that Kelli created that is a reminder to be kind.  I try to post kind things on social media, hoping to counter some of the negative.  I think that kindness is more than words or feelings.  I think that to be kind, we find ways to intentionally live without letting anger or hatred fuel our being.  I think that to be kind means we seek out ways to give even when it doesn’t make sense.  I think to be kind is to forgive when it is counterintuitive.  I think to be kind is to not post our anger because it is not helpful or advantageous.

Being kind is, at least for me, a way of life.  It is intentional.  It is thought out and seeks to love others.  Being kind is looking for ways to point to the good in the world (and yes, there is always good).  In other words, being kind starts with some work on me.  I have to begin to find what is holding me back.  What is it that is eating away at me that doesn’t allow me to be kind?  What barriers do I need to take care of in order to spread kindness?

In today’s focus scripture, the author is teaching that kindness comes after unloading some things.  We let go of those things that are poisoning us.  We release the things which are toxic in our lives.  Let go of anger, bitterness, gossip, and hatred.  Those poisons are killing us.  Instead, allow kindness and forgiveness to take hold.  If we do this, we may begin to heal.  And that just might be the key in helping someone else.  Be kind.

Focus Scripture:

Ephesians 4:31-32

³¹ Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, ³² and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery.  Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery