We are in such a hurry, sometimes we do not stop to recognize what is going on around us. Someone is crying. Someone is having a really bad day. A person is stranded with a flat tire. A person ran out of gas. We keep our eyes forward and do not take in what is going on around us. Guilty as charged.
In his letter to the Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 2, Paul tells the people of the church “and walk in love as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
What does it mean to “walk in love?” How do we slow down, recognize, and empathize what is going on in our lives and immediately in front of us?
With less rushing to the next event, appointment, flight, or commitment, I am trying to take time and be more present. Slow down and pay attention to the person that needs a helping hand, a kind word, or maybe something as simple as a wave or a smile.
Sometimes being nice to others depends on how we feel. If we are having a bad day or not feeling great about ourselves, it can be easier to dismiss someone else’s needs. Many times we are so consumed with our own feelings that we do not take the time to pay attention to others.
What a blessing it is to know that Jesus showed the ultimate kindness and love to us, when we were in need. He was blameless and sinless yet He humbled Himself to suffer a brutal and painful death on the cross. We can live each day knowing that Jesus showed kindness and mercy to us by dying for us to forgive our sins and save us from a hopeless life of sadness and despair. His kindness came in the form of pain and suffering, for us.
There are great examples of Jesus modeling kindness.
- Healing the Leper: Matthew 8:1-4 tells of the story when Jesus healed a man with leprosy. Lepers were shunned in society at that time.
- Dining with a Sinner: In Luke 19:5, Jesus tells Zacchaeus, a hated tax collector, that he would be going to his house for dinner.
- Compassion for the Sick: In Luke 8:40-48, Jesus healed a woman who had bled for 12 years. She touched His cloak and He blessed her by stopping her bleeding.
Perhaps reminding ourselves of the selfless gift of our Savior, our salvation, we can remember to treat others without judgment and with kindness. Jesus showed us time and time again his kindness towards his fellow man. As one of His last acts before His arrest, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples modeling true kindness and love for His friends. Jesus commanded us in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
Take a few minutes and watch some great examples of kindness. Watch here.
Heavenly Father. We ask for your presence in our lives. We ask to see what you want us to see. We ask that you enable us to act how you want us to act. Soften our hearts to love one another. Create in us a generous spirit to give of ourselves selflessly to those that need us, in any way possible. In your saving name we pray. Amen
