Part of the new normal, as it were, of 2020 is a continuous stream of conversation from day to day regarding COVID, the CDC, the response by the government, the response by ordinary people, and the response by the church. Since I work at a church, the discussions on how we honor each other, care for one another and try to walk this out safely has certainly been a topic of conversation. It’s so hard — when there is such a polarization with two opposing camps — to know what the right way to respond and react to all of it.
In the end for me, it comes back to a few verses from the scriptures that teach us about kindness and treating others well.
In humility prefer others better than yourself. — Philippians 2:3
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. — James 3:17-18
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. — Colossians 3:12-13
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. — 1 John 3:18
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ — Acts 20:35
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. — Romans 12:10
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. — 1 Peter 3:8
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. — Proverbs 31:26
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. — Galatians 6:10
Lastly, I leave you with this beautiful quote from Adam Young.
I find encouragement in the truth that we as human beings, from all walks of life, have within us an ineffable capacity to love, respect, and cherish one another. All mankind, each of us infinitely precious, each of us created in the image of God, possess the ability to show unconditional kindness and compassion, regardless of our differences, in the face of contention, and even despite the compounding of great challenges. Our capacity to love each other is a beautiful, indestructible force. No matter the cost, our fullness of joy is unfettered by the loving our neighbors as ourselves.
— Adam Young, 6/3/20
My sincere desire and prayer is that the church would be a light and hope in the middle of this challenging time. I pray that we would model humility, deference, meekness, sacrifice, patience and kindness (among many other things). People do not need division, they need hope.
Thank you Josh for taking the time to encourage and remind us all to walk in kindness.