Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you
has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect
unity.
Tim took me to one of our favorite restaurants for
breakfast this morning. At First Watch, I looked around at all the people
sitting in community. I didn't know any of them, although I recognized a few of
the wait staff, yet I felt comfortable. Tim mentioned too, that he felt relaxed
among the group. We noticed the restaurant goers chatting and enjoying each
other's company.
We're heading into a season of gathering. On
Thanksgiving, family and friends will join together to eat delicious food,
serve meals to the homeless, play football or watch the games, or just enjoy
the day. Looking ahead, Christmas is around the corner when days will be spent
with loved ones and folks out and about. Hectic shopping and busy preparations may
equal anxiety and tension. Stress often peaks during the holidays. But as
followers of Jesus, we have a job to do. Just.Be.Kind.
The fruit of God's Spirit includes kindness. With
compassion and patience, treat people as Jesus did on the many occasions when
he opened his heart and let the kindness flow. In the hustle and bustle,
preparation and joining together, let your heart's kindness pour over the
people God places in your path. "In a world where we can be anything,
let's be kind."
"Have courage and be kind. When there is
kindness, there is goodness." -Cinderella's mother
