Be Ye Kind

Does anyone remember this children's song? "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Do Do, Do Do Do Do. Ba-rooom. Ephesians 4:32."

Ever since I realized it was time to start blogging about the fruit of kindness, I can't seem to get this song out of my head. I like that though. What more perfect verse is there to jump-start a discussion and understanding of kindness? It gives us a definition!

So, it seems that being kind means, at least in part, being tenderhearted and forgiving, following the example of Christ. This sounds a lot easier than it is!

First of all, we are to NOT harden our hearts toward anyone in any situation. Even when they are mean and hard-hearted towards us. Lately, I have been trying to teach this concept to my 4-year-old. He naturally has a very kind heart and quiet spirit. (How great is that?!) But his little sister has learned the fun of picking on my 4-year-old and often this "picking" is very mean. It is so hard for Will to be kind in the face of the meanness! What a hard concept for all of us and, really, how many of us are naturally kind like my son? If this is hard for him, do the rest of us have any hope of succeeding in kindness as God would like us to exercise it?

The answer, as with all of the other fruits is in the promise of the Spirit's help. And prayer! Kindness is actually a discipline. The more we practice the better we will get.

I would suggest getting into the habit of praying for a kind heart every morning before interacting with anyone at all. Then, throughout the day, if you feel your heart start to harden, say another quick prayer seeking the Spirit's help. Join me in trying this and let's see together what a difference this can make!

Next time, forgiveness! ...