MONDAY January 6, 2025
The Call to Be Kind
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness....
Colossians 3:12
First, Paul addressed the believers in Colossae as the elect of God, holy and beloved. He reminded them that they were set apart for God––for His use. He caused them to know how loved they were in Christ. Second, Paul began to describe to them the characteristics of a child of God.
As God’s elect, the Colossians were to put on, as a garment, tender mercies. Literally, in the Greek language, this means “to have deep feelings or deep compassion.” When was the last time you felt a deep compassion toward someone? Without the power of the Holy Spirit, that is hard to do. Sometimes, we hesitate to get involved in the lives of others. Why not ask the Lord to enable you by His Spirit to show mercy. We cannot be judgmental or cause people to feel guilty about the circumstances they find themselves in. Remember, we all make mistakes in life. No matter what, we are called to be compassionate toward others.
Our compassion is to be accompanied with kindness. This is how we are to behave. We are called to be kind. Have you ever sat down to listen to a person pour out their heart? Do you have an ear to listen to people’s problems? Being kind means to have a sweet goodness as you reach out to help care for others.
This past Christmas, many people in the body of Christ showed tender mercies and kindness in their selfless giving to others. They really cared about families who were in need. These believers gave because that is what Christmas is all about. How we thank God for all of you who gave. Jesus said, “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Think about the kindness of God. He gave us His only Begotten Son. Jesus came out of all eternity to die for the sins of the world. He showed mercy, compassion and kindness to all of us. Jesus is our example. If we follow in His footsteps, we shall reflect His kindness to others.
Kindness is an essential part of God’s work and ours here on earth.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
