There’s an old saying, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Some have attributed this quote to Plato, while others say it originated with Ian MacLaren or John Watson. I’m not sure who penned the quote, but we can agree it’s true. Life knocks that tar out of all of us. God created the human race with great diversity, but there are universal commonalities among us. Suffering is one of them. Some of us will suffer more than others, but regardless of the amount or degree, we all suffer.
Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why the Bible tells us repeatedly to be kind to one another. For those of us who identify as Christ followers, kindness is not a suggestion. It’s a repeated command. Let me give you a few examples:
- Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32)
- And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach patiently enduring evil correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
- But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:35-36).
Notice how there are no caveats in these passages. 2 Timothy 2:24 says we are to be kind to “everyone.” This means that Christians are to be kind to people regardless of their political association, opinions, gender, race, sexual preferences, spiritual maturity, criminal history, reputation, societal standing, or financial status. Will we agree with everyone? Of course not.
The Bible never commands us to “agree with everyone.” The Scriptures command us to be kind to everyone. We are even commanded to be kind to people with whom we adamantly disagree. Rude behavior, name-calling, lack of compassion, and strife have no place in the life of a Christ follower. These traits have no place in our offices, homes, grocery stores, backyards, or social media accounts. Considering all we’ve been given in Christ Jesus, Christians should have a reputation for being the kindest people on the planet.
Mark Twain wrote, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Kindness opens up dialogue and builds unlikely friendships. For much of the world, kindness is simply considered to be good manners. But Christ followers are called to be people of the Book. The Word of God commands people of the cross to be kind to everyone.
Things are tough out there. Let’s be kind to one another—it’s part of our calling.
One Response
Great reminder, sometimes I lose it(my temper and self- control)!