Kindness & Compassion

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.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

When I look past my "inner circle" of family and friends and focus on the state, nation and world at large, I can easily get discouraged.  It seems as if we have moved to a world of judgement and negativity.  My heart aches when I hear people speak on the news or even on social media.

Entering, with even greater importance, are the virtues of this week - compassion and kindness.  Whether I look at the world or even break it down to our own community, those two words seem to be missing.  People may say (or even "I" may say), "I'm a kind person - I have compassion on others."  I believe that.  I believe that people don't purposely move through this world to be unkind to others.  Yet, through experiences of our own or through others, we may have an "unconscious bias".  I heard this term during the week and it made me think.

It is easy to be kind and compassionate to those that are like us, that have the same thoughts, the same beliefs, the same interests.  Where it becomes difficult is to provide that same level of kindness and compassion to those that may differ from us.  It may not be that we eagerly pursue to be unkind, but our words or actions could result in a poor tone, a harsh word, or a negative action.  We may be unconsciously doing these things, moving away from kindness.

In walks the example of Jesus.  Jesus moved through His time on earth based on truth - the truth that everyone deserved forgiveness, that everyone had a place in this world and that everyone can follow Him to the heavenly home through belief.  By living through that truth, He provides us with a wonderful mentor and leader of kindness and compassion.  He didn't walk away from the sick.  He didn't walk away from the non-believers.  He didn't walk away from the desolate.  He walked towards them!  By walking towards those that were different, He brought the truth of God and salvation.  Such a powerful example for us to model our lives.

Given this example, where does our behavior fit in?  By extending kindness and compassion.  Yes, extend it to those we know and love.  Yet, also extend it to those we don't know.  The person who has their hands filled with groceries and could use some help.  The person who needs our prayers for healing.  The person who needs a kind word, a hug, a warm cup of coffee or a friend.  Many times, this means slowing our selves down in order to reach out to others.  We may not be able to fix all that seems to be going on in the world.  Starting with our own corner of it, though, will always make an impact.  We never know how Jesus will use our positive virtues to change those around us!!

Dearest Jesus, we thank you for being the one true example of kindness and compassion.  Open our eyes to see those around us.  May we find moments to share these virtues and bring the world the light of your love.  In your forever kind name we pray, Amen!