The second thing Paul tells us to do after we have a tender regard for people is to be kind to them. The word kindness in Greek is, khray-stot'-ace. It means kindness but it also means usefulness. Are our actions and words useful to our spouses, children, family, neighbors, and friends? Do I go out of my way to say and do the right thing?
The great theologian Jimmy Buffet said, "It takes about the same amount of time to be a nice guy as it does to be a jerk." We have to act anyway, why not act kind.
"Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a tough battle," is a quote I enjoy. I often want to be rude to others when I see the way they are treating me or those close to me. I ask myself what is wrong with them, assume the worst of them, then treat them accordingly. I need to remember that everyone is in as tough of a battle as I am and treat them kind.
Jesus praying from the cross about the people who had put him on the cross said, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." Jesus is our ultimate example of kindness.
Tomorrow, everyone you meet ask, "how can I be useful to them?" God will help us.
In Jesus' Service,
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