Kindness and Forgiveness

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 4:29-5:2 ESV).

 

We’re just a few days before Thanksgiving. I suppose the thought of being thankful in the current climate of our nation is a bit far-fetched. I’ve been somewhat disciplined in the fact that I have spent far less time watching the news than involving myself in other activities. However, it only take a small dose of national news to wonder about the dire circumstance we seem to be plunged in this year of an escalating pandemic spike; contested national elections; and, perilous financial situations across nearly every socio-economic strata. Even then, there are the very personal problems many people face in the daily routine of their lives. It just seems like there is a much harder time finding things to be thankful about.

 

Well, let me make a suggestion – don’t try to be thankful. Be kind and forgiving. This is the direction the Apostle Paul takes us in our reading today. Urging us to “live as children of light,” Paul calls us to “walk in the way of love” as “God’s holy people.” As Christ’s followers, we adopt a lifestyle of imitating God, showing kindness, com­passion, and forgiveness. We learn to forgive because we know that God has loved and forgiven us.

 

I have often been asked me to preach on “forgiveness.” What I have found is that forgiveness is secondary. Typically I like to speak on primary issues we face in our lives. That usually takes me directly to the grace God has extended to us in Christ. As I recognize that I have been forgiven it produces a grateful mindset making it quite easy to express kindness and compassion for others. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are inseparable. We can’t be very kind to someone whom we haven’t forgiven. We won’t show compassion until we grow aware of how much we’ve experienced God’s love and compassion.

 

This sets the stage for my thankfulness. After all, relationships are far more important than position. Join me in being tender-hearted toward all people today!