Everyone in this world needs some Christian kindness. Not just your friend at work. It is not reserved for the person in front of you at church. It is easy to show kindness to your grandparents. All of these people should receive Christian kindness from you, that is true. The command, however, is to show Christian kindness to everyone.
This world seems as cold to me as I have ever seen. Daily I hear or see a story about someone killing, beating, or robbing someone else. I believe that the world needs some love. The love of Jesus is all that can heal the bitterness that permeates the heart of mankind. That is why it is necessary for the church to show the world Christian kindness.
Christian Kindness Is Not A Suggestion
For too long now we have looked at the word of God as a suggestion. We read the Bible and try to pick and choose which things Jesus told us to do that we think might be a good idea.
When we decide that we do not really need to do what Jesus said to do we are really saying that we do not think it will benefit us. We don’t really trust that God knows best. This is simply a lack of faith in God.
The world may not know much about the Bible. Most people, however, have heard of the Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. That is so simple! It is also profound!
Jesus did not say that perhaps it would be a good idea to treat other people right. He did not tell us that the Golden Rule might be a good policy. He commanded his disciples to show Christian kindness to everyone.
Matthew 7:12 – Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Love For All Should Begin At The Church
The Bible teaches that the church is the bride of Christ. It is the means that God chose to spread His life-changing gospel to all mankind. The church is supposed to be His light in this dark, hateful world.
If you and I in the church have ill will toward each other, why would we hope that the world would want to get involved? They already spend their days engulfed in hatred and cruelty. Lost people need to see something different in the church.
We should also consider the fact that if we are busy at the church fussing and fighting then we are not working to share the gospel with the people that need it. The devil likes it if we are not in unity at the church. He is seeking whom he may devour. You and I are helping him if we are not at peace with our brothers and sisters.
One last thing to remember when we are dealing with each other is that others in the church are watching. There are children that are soaking up all we do. New converts are looking for the right way to walk with God and the church. Weaker Christians may be ready to throw in the towel and head to the house. Someone is always watching. How we treat each other in the church matters!
Galatians 6:10 – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Christian Kindness Requires Action!
Talk is cheap. People all around you speak of their good intentions. They may even say they love you. Until that love is made manifest by action a person cannot really experience the kindness we say we have for others.
1st John 3:18 tells us to love by deed and truth, not by word and tongue. Jesus came to this world to give himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He said that was why he came. The kindness was made truth when he did the deed by dying on a cruel cross.
Part of denying ourselves and taking up our cross is treating people with Christian kindness. That means it goes much deeper than a common kindness. It is giving up our desires for the edification of others. That is how we will lead others to Christ!
The World Must See Something Special In You
There is no good in me on my own. Without the love of God in my heart I would be just as cold as the rest of the world. It is by the grace of God that I am saved. His spirit in me compels me to love other people.
If I do not behave in a manner that shows I love others then people will not believe I am any different than anyone else. Never have so many needed to feel hope. An act of kindness from you and I today will go a long way toward leading people to the Lord.
We must always remember the kindness Christ has shown for us. I was lost without hope before he saved me. If I got what I deserved it would be eternal punishment. Thank God for his mercy. Since he showed me that kind of love, I must share that with everyone else.
Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
How many times in your walk with God have you passed up opportunities to show kindness to another? I am ashamed to say that many times in my life I have not expressed the love for others I should. My flesh gets in the way and I do not do that which I am commanded to do. It is something I know I need to work on.
If you feel led to do even the most simple act of kindness for someone else, please do that thing. I have let the devil tell me that the person on my heart doesn’t really want my help. I have talked myself out of contacting people I knew were troubled because I didn’t believe they would want to hear from me. Don’t get caught up in that lie. People need to hear from you!
Imagine a world where people got up daily looking to help someone else. What if all of the church set their mind on daily deeds of kindness? Suppose we all went to bed tonight with Christian kindness on our heart. I believe it would make a change in this world. My prayer for you is that you purpose deep down in your soul to be kind to others. The world needs you now more than ever!