How do you navigate seasons like this when the whole world seems to be going crazy, when fear is the predominate emotion for the day in our culture? How do we operate as the body of Christ in this new normal traffic pattern of life?
Be kind! It is just that simple.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)
Being kind is contained in what it means to love agape. “Love is … kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Kindness applies to everyone, when they deserve it and when they do not. My grandfather used to say that "courtesy is the oil of life.” Think about it. Doesn't It just make life run smoother when you are courteous? Kindness works in exactly the same way. Your life will run smoother, especially in trying times.
As you interact with people, being motivated by the Holy Spirit, reach out in kindness. It really will change the circumstances around you. During this time of crisis, choose to be kind. In all your actions toward other people do it in a way that honors them as humans created in the image of God. Choose to be tenderhearted. Try to see things as they do. Put yourself in their place. Feel as they are feeling. Then treat them the way you would want to be treated under the circumstances. Choose to forgive. Even when people have wronged you, work on forgiving, and conduct yourself with that understanding. This is how we love those around us. Forgiving is one of the most powerful gifts we give to others and it transforms us into the image of Christ.
There is too much tension and stress during this time. Choose to transform it in kindness.
In these new normal traffic patterns of life, be kind.
Be Kind
How do you navigate seasons like this when the whole world seems to be going crazy, when fear is the predominate emotion for the day in our culture? How do we operate as the body of Christ in this new normal traffic pattern of life?
Be kind! It is just that simple.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)
Being kind is contained in what it means to love agape. “Love is … kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Kindness applies to everyone, when they deserve it and when they do not. My grandfather used to say that "courtesy is the oil of life.” Think about it. Doesn't It just make life run smoother when you are courteous? Kindness works in exactly the same way. Your life will run smoother, especially in trying times.
As you interact with people, being motivated by the Holy Spirit, reach out in kindness. It really will change the circumstances around you. During this time of crisis, choose to be kind. In all your actions toward other people do it in a way that honors them as humans created in the image of God. Choose to be tenderhearted. Try to see things as they do. Put yourself in their place. Feel as they are feeling. Then treat them the way you would want to be treated under the circumstances. Choose to forgive. Even when people have wronged you, work on forgiving, and conduct yourself with that understanding. This is how we love those around us. Forgiving is one of the most powerful gifts we give to others and it transforms us into the image of Christ.
There is too much tension and stress during this time. Choose to transform it in kindness.
In these new normal traffic patterns of life, be kind.
Looking out for one another,
Denny