Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
In our world today, it is easy to lash out in anger, whether in person, a text message, an Instagram, or a Facebook post. Many of us find ourselves reacting quickly in the face of conflict or even disagreement. What is much more difficult, however, is kindness. Regardless of how difficult this kindness is, Scripture calls us to choose kindness. This is true in all relationships, whether with our spouse, friends, coworkers, or family members. This kindness is also called to be modeled after the kindness that God has shown us.
The apostle Paul wrote about the call we have to kindness in Ephesians 4. In this chapter, Paul called believers to live differently than the rest of the world as followers of Christ. One of the marked differences of followers of Christ, Paul taught, should be in the way we treat the people around us. As he taught about our relationships, he wrote, “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (verse 31). As followers of Christ, we are invited to live under a different set of behavior than bitterness, anger, and other harsh words. “Instead,” Paul wrote, “be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (verse 32). Instead of anger or bitterness, we are called to a better way: kindness. According to this verse, kindness looks like being tenderhearted, compassionate, and forgiving. This is how followers of Christ are called to live in their relationships with other people.
How do you find yourself responding to people, especially during conflict when you think about your own life? Do you respond with kindness, or does anger or bitterness find itself getting in the way? It’s time today to let go of these negative emotions and choose the invitation of kindness that Christ offers instead.
Moving Toward Action
Who are you struggling to show kindness to right now? Is it your spouse? Another family member or friend? Whatever the case, our call today is to choose kindness. As you think about the person you are struggling to show kindness to, spend some time praying for them. Then, think about one thing today you can do today to show kindness. Let your kindness be an overflow of God’s kindness that He has shown you.
Ephesians 4:17-32 (NLT)
With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard 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 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 evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
