“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV). In all too many instances, kindness is something sorely missing from our world today. The word Paul chose to convey this Christian attitude in Ephesians 4:32 is chrestos, which means profitable, fit for any good use. It can be used of both things and people, but when used of us, it carries the idea of being useful toward others, good-natured, good, gentle and kind. By showing this trait, we reveal ourselves to be children of God, “For He is kind to the unthankful and evil” (Luke 6:35).
Everyone who comes in obedience to the Gospel experiences the kindness of God. Our sins should condemn us, but God is rich in His love and mercy for us (Ephesians 2:4). He sent His Son to die so that our sins could be forgiven, and the Son freely and willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice so forgiveness could occur (Hebrews 9:26). We must never forget how we have experienced God’s kindness (1 Peter 2:3) and how we continue to enjoy it every day (Ephesians 2:7).
An example of such caring and forgiveness was recently seen during the Amber Guyger trial, who was found guilty of murdering Botham Jean a year ago, in a case some have called the “wrong apartment” murder. The details of what happened have been much discussed since then, but what transpired after she received the verdict is newsworthy as well. After the jury left the courtroom, Botham’s brother, Brandt, was allowed to address Guyger directly from the witness stand. He told her he forgave her for fatally shooting his brother. He then begged Judge Kemp to hug her, asking to do so twice, which she finally allowed after a long pause. What an act of compassion this was.
This thought, however, brings us back to where we began. Kindness – compassion – is sorely missing in our world, and unfortunately, missing in the lives of many who have experienced it themselves from Jesus Christ. How sad it is, that we who have been so richly blessed in Christ can reflect more of the world in us than we do of our Lord. Surely, it is selfishness that motivates unkind, uncaring, harsh and bitter words and deeds. How can the child of God act in such a way, when God bids us to “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us” (Ephesians 5:2)? We must remember the admonition of Paul to the Galatians, “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15). In His love, God showed compassion to others – to us – by sending Christ to die for our sins. What kind of love and compassion should we have toward others? “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Colossians 3:12-13).
It’s too easy to say, “Well, that’s just the way I am!” The call of the Gospel, however, isn’t to stay the way it found us – lost in sin, worldly-minded and behaving badly. The Gospel bids us to be more like our Lord today so we may be like Him eternally (1 John 3:2-3). When Paul said to be kind to one another, it’s given as a command – not as an option. What a difference the world would find if Christians took imitating Christ seriously. What a difference we as Christians would find for ourselves – in peace, joy and love – if we took it seriously. How do we respond to others? Can we say of ourselves, “God’s kindness is alive in me”? Help make your part of the world a more compassionate place by practicing kindness. Who knows the difference it might make, now and eternally?
