Whether at work or out in the community, the world desperately needs to see kindness. People need to see proof of the new nature God has created, if they are going to believe the message we share. That is the focus for today, and a passage from Ephesians speaks directly to this:
You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness – righteous, holy, and true.
So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth” because we belong to each other. And don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.
If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:24-32Ephesians 4:24-32
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
24 a ; b ; Ws . and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy. Rules for the New Life 25 . We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth. 26 . Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry 27 and don't give the devil a chance. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Be honest and work hard, so you will have something to give to people in need. 29 Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say. 30 Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. 31 Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. 32 . Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
WP-Bible plugin
A new nature. A new person. God’s likeness. Those are strong words, meant to force us to remember that the way we respond is a reflection on what God has done in our lives. If people are going to see him through us, we must be like him. No pressure, though; it’s not up to us! God is going to do this work within us, helping us have a new mind and new attitude. Our job is to submit to his direction, sit under his teaching, respond to his leading. The Holy Spirit will direct us.
Our relationships so often struggle to remain honest, as we try to hide from one another. And in our lack of control – over the world, our circumstances – we lash out at those who we most need, and who most need us. But this is the life he is working in us: We are to live in honesty, not trying to hurt others with our words and our actions. We are to control our anger – lest it spill over and ruin all that God has done around us.
If you are like me, you probably hear a lot of complaining at work and among your friends. You likely hear lies, see open conflict. It comes in the form of sarcasm, put-downs and sour faces. It comes in actions that belittle others, and actions that enforce our feelings of position or entitlement. It comes in words of praise withheld. The new person God has created should not be caught up in these things. Because it isn’t about getting ahead or looking out for own interests.
The counter to all this evil is kindness. It is finding the opportunities to encourage and forgiving when we are wronged (and we will be). It is being open to people; ready to hear them out. It is controlling our emotions – not just bottling them up – and allowing God to turn our anger and pride into something new, like passion, excellence or even hope. It is true and unfeigned love for others – in action.
Where can you apply the idea of kindness today in your relationships? Where is it lacking? Where is the Spirit leading you to break the “normal” human pattern of self-interest? Let’s all pray today that we can be a clear image of our kind and loving God!
0 Comments.