God's Glory Church

“Be kind and merciful to each other.” — Ephesians 4:32

“What do I regret?” This is exactly the question best-selling author George Sanders answered in his 2013 commencement address at Syracuse University. His approach was that of an older person sharing one or two regrets with young people who could learn something from his example. He listed several things that people might think he regretted, such as being poor and working a horrible job. However, Sanders said he doesn’t really regret it at all. Instead, he regrets that he did not show kindness, that he missed opportunities to be kind to someone.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus, answering the question: “What does the Christian life look like?” It’s tempting to rush into answers, such as having certain political views, avoiding certain books or movies, or worshiping in a certain way. However, Paul’s approach was not limited to contemporary problems. He mentions abstaining from “rotten” words (Eph. 4:29), from bitterness and anger (v. 31). He essentially ends his “speech” with an appeal to the Ephesians: “And be kind to one another” (v. 32). And the basis for this is God’s kindness to us in Christ.

One of the things that we find to be the hallmark of living in Jesus is certainly kindness.

Think of a recent time when you failed to show kindness? How to find it today?

Dear Jesus, help me to show others the kindness you showed me.

Author: John Blaze