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Pastoral Perspectives

Be Kind!

Being a child of God who has been saved by the amazing grace of Jesus Christ our Lord, how have we been in the first month of this new year? Have we been pre-occupied with our own passion and pursuit? Have we paused to consider the one sitting next to us in the office or in the classroom or the one staying next door or the one who is closed to us? How has the Word of God taught us as God’s beloved children? If we have been spending time consistently with God in Word and prayer, we would have learnt how to live our lives each day as His beloved children.

The thought came to me about the necessity to share on this topic: “be kind.” Has someone been kind to you recently? I am sure that each of us has experienced someone being kind to us. One way to reflect on this is to look out at how Jesus has demonstrated kindness to us. We can learn a few things from the following Bible passage.

But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7 NASB)

God is kind and loving. His kindness and love are beyond our comprehension. We marvel at the immensity of His kindness and love towards each one of us. We are lost without God but He shows compassion upon us. Not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but indeed, it is by His mercy we are saved. He not only saves us but also regenerates and renews us by the Holy Spirit. He also justifies us by His grace. He makes us His heirs too. He has given us the hope of eternal life. Such kindness is too wonderful for us! We are very grateful for such immense kindness shown to us. Shall we withhold such kindness from others ?

One way to be kind is to share God’s kindness to those who have yet heard of the Lord Jesus who redeems and saves. Whenever we have opportunity to share this piece of good news, let us take up the courage and share it with others with confidence. Let us testify gladly and gratefully of His kindness. Remember how we first came to know Jesus and received God’s kindness for ourselves. Shall we withhold God’s kindness from others? Let us pray and ask God for His guidance and help in being an effective witness for Him. We are ambassadors for Christ. This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV:

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Let us implore others on Christ’s behalf that they too be restored to a right relationship with Him. This requires prayer and patience in helping someone who has drifted from their faith in Christ to return to Him.

Another way to be kind is in the way we relate with one another. Whenever we meet each other, let us be kind with our words. Speak kindly to others, not harshly or rudely. Let our conversation with one another be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

Still another way to be kind is to remember others in our prayers. Whenever we meet our brothers and sisters in Christ on a Sunday, let us find out how they have been doing and what is going on in their lives and then reach out to them kindly by praying for them.

Another way to be kind is to encourage others with God’s Word. Whenever we meet each other, why not share a word from the Holy Scripture that has impacted you recently. Share how God is speaking to you and teaching you through His precious Word. Share how you have applied the truths of God’s Word in your life this past week.

There are many ways we can show kindness to each other. May we explore them creatively so that each will experience the kindness of God among us. It is my earnest prayer that we will be kind to one another often.