Devotional- Be Ye kind

Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Though the word ‘LOVE’ is the most positive and commonly used in our world today, it is rather ironical to realise the same is the most abused. Love, which other wise sums up all of mankind’s reason to a happier life, has become the source of multiple of grief and sorrows.

Paul, in all his epistles to the early Christians, had always endeavoured not only to explain good Christian love, but the simple manner to go about it. Unconditional Love does not come easily among Christians and non Christian alike. Practical ‘LOVE’ actually comes with time and practice. In the above verse, Paul samples out the ingredients to Christian Love.

KINDNESS: the all reference online dictionary defines it as ‘the practice of being or the capability to be sympathetic and compassionate’. To every kind gesture there is a receiver and that receiver may have been in a need which is being fulfilled. We are kind when we show an act of sympathy and the willingness to bring those in need out of that situation. It is always an act of choice and never out of compulsion.

TENDERHEARTED: This is defined as ‘quick to show compassion and sympathy to other people’. In our world today, one may not always meet someone who will show compassion, what more be quick at it. Some one who is quick to show some kind of sympathy is said to have a ‘soft spot in his heart’.

FORGIVING: Forgiveness comes in as a form of substitute for a rather unfavourable response from the giver. When someone wrongs us in any way, it becomes incumbent on us to forgive that person. You may have also experienced how easier it is to forgive those closer you. However, how often have you with ease forgiven those relating to you, like spouses and children?

We all know the how deep the issue of Christian love and forgiveness is. Paul did however leave us with a reference to look up to when ever our second voice tells us not to show this kind gesture. He reminds us of the LOVE that God Himself, for Jesus Christ’s sake Has shown to us. That is the whole essence of the Redemptive Work on the Cross of Calvary. Through Christ, His sacrifice and resurrection, we too may live to learn to Love and to continue as such in faith.

I know making this verse of Paul a reality is better said than done. I will kindly request of you a brief moment for us to share a word prayer together as we both begin to take this good step of Christian love.

“Our dear Lord and Father, we want to thank you for Your Divine word and the enlightenment it has brought to our hearts today. You sent Christ Jesus to come and live as man among us so we too may emulate His LOVE and good works towards all mankind. We ask of You to show us the way each step through. We also ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit even as we live every second of our lives today and always learning to love us You. We believe that we can accomplish even greater things as long as we trust and obey in the truth of your Word.
Strengthen us and bless us all the way through that our love can touch others. Thank you and we bless your name in Christ Jesus, Amen!
Thank you and I do believe that this short time together has blessed your heart. I would want to leave you with this question to further reflect on. It would be a great idea and an eye-opener for me as well to hear your response.
1. Why do we most often find it difficult to let go of what our loved ones do that hurts us? Is it not easier to bless those closer and dearer to us than those we hardly know in our lives? What do you think?

God bless you and have a wonderful day.
Peace, Shalom.