Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
Ephesians 4:32 is a simple verse and yet one that takes intentionality to practice. It reminds us to: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (NIV)
Each of the three pieces we are told to do were and are modeled by Christ:
• Be kind to one another
• Be tenderhearted
• Forgive one another
Some of us find being kind easier than others of us do. We find it simple and even logical to make space for others, to share with others, to listen to one another, and to welcome each other.
Some of us have very tender hearts. We are readily touched by another’s grief, struggle, challenge, loneliness, or hardship.
Some of us find forgiving others flows through us. We don’t hold on to grudges, but instead release them freely – at least, most of the time.
When you think about it, being kind in many ways embodies all three of these pieces. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Watkins, used to always tell us frequently to “be kind” to each other. Being kind meant lots of things – sharing our supplies; waiting our turn; helping each other to learn; not laughing when someone messed up; holding hands when we went on field trips and not saying “yuck” if you had to hold the hand of someone you didn’t like; holding doors open; and yes, my least favorite, being quiet during nap time even if you didn’t want to sleep because some other people did (I think she probably needed silence, too, with 32 of us!). Being kind may mean that I need to understand that others have needs and wants, and I will not always get my preference. If I am kind, and you are kind, we can create a group, a church, a town, a country, a world, where kindness is valued and encouraged.
How will we “be kind” to one another this week? How will we be a part of God’s desire for kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness being life essentials, just as they have been essential gifts we have received from God?
Growing in Kindness with You,
Pastor Donna