Be kind to one another –

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” This verse is part of a passage describing the new life that a Christ follower should exhibit. There should be a lying aside of the old self and putting on of the new self which is to be the likeness of God.

That last part is a tall standard to live up to and one we fall short of. Fortunately, that is something that should result from our salvation rather than something that will earn it for us. However, we should strive to be more like God with Christ as our example. While we might like this to just automatically happen through the work of the Holy Spirit, this passage from Ephesians gives a list of commands that would seem to indicate that although the Spirit helps us we need to make a conscious effort in putting on this new life.

So, what does it mean to “be kind to one another?”

Webster’s dictionary defines the word kind (when used as an adjective as it is here) to be “of a sympathetic or helpful nature: gentle”, “of a forbearing nature”, and “arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance.” Forbearance can be further defined as tolerance or restraint in the face of provocation or patience.

A look at the culture we live in today, so much of the rhetoric and actions that have caused division in this country, comes out of self interest and unwillingness to consider other perspectives on issues. As Christians we are called to a higher standard though; being kind involves having sympathy, trying to understand another perspective and being tolerant and patient with others. We do not have to agree with everyone but we can still treat them nicely even if there is no reciprocation.

An example of kindness in the Bible can be seen in Acts 28:2, “The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.”

The circumstance was that the ship carrying Paul and other prisoners and Roman soldiers were shipwrecked on the island of Malta. The natives did not use the excuse that these men might be dangerous and just ignore or rebuff them but rather saw their basic need and helped them out.

I would encourage you to find ways to be kind to those around you. Try to see things from another perspective. You do not necessarily need to change your view to theirs but having that perspective can help us to be more patient with them.

A good place to start might be while driving – if there is a line of cars behind you, pull over and let them go by, even if they annoy you slow down and give bikers plenty of space as you pass by them and just generally be courteous.

By starting with small things and trying to make it a practice, perhaps eventually being kind will become part of our nature. But we do need to work at it.