Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Kindness is almost a lost art today, isn’t it? So many people are rude and self-centered, worried about themselves, and not worried very much about others.
We even see this among professing Christians today. If anyone should show kindness, it’s Christians.
It breaks my heart to say so, but down through the years, I have found that from time to time, strangers have shown more kindness to my family than the church.
To me, there isn’t anything worse than a professing Christian who is unkind!
Not long ago, I was sitting in Sam’s Auto Club waiting room with my son-in-law Gary and his son Garrett while their truck was being serviced. (Garrett is a young man who has special needs. He has a loving God-given spirit about Him that draws people to him; even though he can’t talk very much, his God-given spirit talks for him. His little smile melts people’s hearts.) While we were sitting there, a lady walked up to us and began talking to us. Come to find out, she has two special needs children, so she was very kind to us. She asked if she could hug Garrett. She did so and then continued talking. Then before she left, she again wanted another hug from our man.
A complete stranger showing kindness. What a concept! It does not take much to be kind!
“I am writing to God’s holy people, who are faithful followers of Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:1
One would think that of all the people in the world, God’s people would not need to be told to be kind to others. But that’s just what Paul said.
Then he tells us that if we are unkind, we displease our Father.
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.”
Ephesians 4:30
Does this mean that if we are unkind that we are bringing sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit? The answer is yes!
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Remember Paul is writing to the church!!!!