Be Kind

As I watched the news the other night one specific story troubled me.  Since COVID 19 restrictions have been lifted in most states and businesses have been receiving in-person patrons this summer, some have been treated very poorly by their customers.  Spitting on an employee and vandalizing a business because of dissatisfaction with a longer-than-expected wait were captured on video and shared via the media.

The story was troubling from two sides.  I was of course sad for the business owners and employees who were struggling with reduced staff, an increased volume of customers and had been treated badly.  But I was also sad for those who were responding in such ungracious and rude ways.  The unkind responses seemed to be a symptom of something greater. Stress and anxiety can result in selfish responses, but  I think the bigger issue is the lack of or a stagnant relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.   Simply, when someone is walking closely with Jesus (ie. reading their Bible regularly, worshiping, praying and gathering together with other Christians) one of the ‘symptoms’ is kindness.   In the book of Galatians in the Bible it says that the fruit of God’s Spirit in us is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) Paul’s letter to the Colossians calls them (and us) to ‘put on. . .compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.’ (Colossians 3:12)

First Lutheran Church Fall Festival Booth

We cannot be kind on our own and deserved no kindness from God.  But He gave it.  That’s grace – undeserved and unearned.  Titus 3:4-5 says, ‘But when the goodness and lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy. . .’  Even if someone makes a mistake, or isn’t able to meet our expectations of service, careful and kind responses can reflect the love of God to others.

People need Jesus.  He is the One Who sustains us through tough and stress-filled times. (see ‘Supply Meets Demand’ & ‘Enough’ Videos 4 Kids).  A 1965 song first made famous by Jackie DeShannon titled ‘What the World Needs Now (is love)’ rings true today.  We need the love that God has shown us through Jesus Christ, and those around us need to receive His love through us.  One of the ways we can do this is to just BE KIND.  It might even be contagious!