Kindness

Have you ever got a song in your head that you have not heard in a long time? This morning, as I was reading the facebook status of a pastor friend of mine, a Chris Tomlin song called “Kindness” popped into my head. This song was from his very first national album back in 2001, The Noise We Make. I am sure many of you remember this song, whose chorus goes like this, It's your kindness lord That leads us to repentance Your favor lord, is our desire It's your beauty lord That makes us stand in silence Your love Your love Is better than life This song reminds me of God’s great love for each one of us, and yes for me. The first line really hit me this morning: It’s your kindness Lord, that leads us to repentance. For me, I remember how at different times, I have been overwhelmed by God’s love, speechless at the fact that God showed kindness to me, even at times where I had messed up, times when I didn’t deserve it. So many times, a dear saint of God has shown kindness to me and I was lifted up. Church, the kindness we show to the people around us, even small things, can make a monumental difference in someone’s life. A simple act like holding a door, giving someone a kind word on social media, or telling a family member how much we appreciate them, can brighten their day like nothing else. In one of his many lists of how we should live, this particular one being Ephesians 4:29-32, the Apostle Paul said this,

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

When we speak to one another, even when we disagree, we need to be thinking about how we can build each other up rather than tearing one another down. So many of us are tired, stressed out, and lonely. A kind word can go a long way to building someone’s self-esteem. A small compliment, a recognition, even a friendly greeting given with care, can instantly make someone else’s day better. It can give them the motivation to be better, because someone else sees the good in them. This week, I invite you to say (or type or tweet) one kind thing to someone. Let’s be a group that builds others up and reflects that love of God that’s better than life. Pastor Henry