People of Kindness

When critics pull arguments against Christianity out of history, they inevitably point to worst-case scenarios: the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Salem witch trials, and all kinds of other examples of aggression and judgment. The fact that these events don’t actually reflect true Christianity and the teachings of Jesus is ignored; they are “Christian” behaviors because people who called themselves Christians did them. And the overarching theme that strings together these various acts of violence, aggression, and hate is that they are not expressions of love. They are presented as evidence that we are not a people of kindness.
 

But we are. Perhaps we don’t show it on every occasion, but real Christianity and the work of the Holy Spirit in a person’s heart produces kindness over time. It’s one of the fruits of the Spirit and a frequent instruction in his Word. Some Christians forget that, reserving kindness for those they like and unleashing unkindness on those they don’t, just as everyone in the world is prone to do. But when the Spirit really grips a person’s heart and does a profound work in them, kindness grows. That person begins to see people through lenses of compassion and grace, aware that we are all recovering from the trauma of living in a fallen world and healing from wounds we have received here. Kindness, patience, and grace flow from eyes that have learned to see and a heart that has learned to love.

Remember that. We are to be known as a people of kindness, both toward each other and to those who do not believe as we do. When we treat each other this way, others are drawn to the Christian community. When we treat outsiders this way, they get to experience something of God’s nature. The passage above acknowledges difficult people, assumes our kindness will be tested, and urges kindness anyway. Take that seriously. Being kind is an underestimated means of demonstrating the kindness of God in a way that reaches people wherever they are. It is a remarkably simple way to change lives.

Lord, in seeking after the dramatic fruits of your Spirit, I’ve often neglected the “easy” ones. Make me a person of kindness. Fill my vision, my thoughts, and my words with grace. Let my kindness awaken hearts to your goodness. Amen.

This is an entry from One Year Salt & Light by Chris Tiegreen. This devotional is available at OMF Lit Bookshops and our online store, shop.omflit.com for P365. (P292 until December 20)

About the book:

This year, learn to bring the light & hope of Christ into your home, your community & your world.

Scripture calls us to be the salt of the earth and lights in the world―preserving, flavoring, brightening, and warming the lives of those around us. But too often, it seems the world is getting more and more closed off to the hope and promise of faith. How do we bring the light of Christ to the world around us, showing His love to the people who need it the most?