Kindness is a wonderful thing. It is great to receive and equally wonderful to give. It can multiply the joyous times of life and bring the light of hope into the darkest seasons.
My devotions recently led me to a wonderful reflection on kindness in the form of a story from the ancient Christians:
Abba Moses was asked to travel to another community to pass judgement on someone caught in sin. He refused to go, but the pressure for him to make the trip continued. Finally, he agreed to make the journey. As he left, he took a basket, poked a few holes in it, filled it with sand and set out. Along the way, many asked the point of the leaky basket to which he replied, “My sins are running out behind me.” The people understood and the one found in sin was immediately forgiven.
The one who understands they have been forgiven much, understands the need to offer forgiveness to others. When we grasp the kindness of God toward us and the blessing on the kindnesses we’ve been shown along the way by others, we respond by being kind to others. No one can be aware of God’s great kindness and not, in turn, be kind.
If we are truly putting our faith into practice, then kindness will be a hallmark of our attitude and actions. It is an expression of our faith and a litmus test for where we are on our spiritual journey.
When we consider the injustices we face, the rudeness we experience, and unkindness of the world, we can feel justified in being unkind ourselves. But, when out attention is on the loving kindness of God, there is no such justification, no matter what our circumstances. We can stand up for justice and righteousness. We can hold up truth and mercy. But, we cannot do these things without kindness. Even in our most powerful defense of our position, we cannot know the kindness of God, and choose to be unkind.
In this season, where we sing about peace on earth, and where we remember the power of God’s love toward the whole world, it is time to do more than sing and talk, it is time to act.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians said, “Be kind, one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” (4:32)
May those who know us and those who meet us, experience this kindness in all we say and do. Let us look at our own lives in light of the kindness we receive, that we may see others through the lens of that kindness, and let us bless others with the very blessing we received.
