You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).
Carl Pollard
Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), is a profound expression of God’s character and a cornerstone of Christian living. The Greek word chrēstotēs is best described as goodness, generosity, and a disposition to act with compassion. When we study the idea of kindness in scripture, it is filled with theological depth and practical implications, calling us to embody Christ’s love in a broken world.
Scripture consistently portrays kindness as a reflection of God’s nature. In Titus 3:4, Paul writes of “the kindness and love of God our Savior” appearing through Christ’s redemptive work, emphasizing that divine kindness is the basis for salvation. This is also seen in Ephesians 2:7, where God’s grace is expressed “in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” So kindness isn’t just a human virtue but a divine attribute christians are called to imitate! You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).
The call to kindness is active and intentional. Colossians 3:12 instructs Christians, as God’s chosen ones, to “put on… kindness,” suggesting a deliberate choice to clothe ourselves in compassionate actions. This is seen with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where kindness transcends cultural and social barriers, demonstrating love through sacrificial care. Kindness is not passive; it requires courage to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8), even when inconvenient or costly.
In a world marked by division, kindness becomes a powerful tool for the spreading of the gospel. Romans 2:4 says that God’s kindness leads to repentance, suggesting that our acts of kindness can draw others to Christ. A kind word, a generous deed, or a forgiving spirit can soften hearts and reflect God’s love.
Kindness is a daily calling to mirror Christ’s compassion. It challenges us to extend grace to the undeserving, forgive the offender, and serve the overlooked. As we practice kindness, we participate in God’s redemptive work, softening hearts to His love.
Let’s live kindly, reflecting the Savior’s heart in every interaction.
I Cor 13.1-3 steps on toes. A person could be truly exceptional in qualities most of us would love to have, if just barely. Without love even the most exceptional person is doomed.
Here are some the powerhouse-qualities that mean nothing without love:
1. The ability to speak multiple languages, with a working knowledge of the language of cosmic beings.
This is a person intellectually talented in an extremely difficult discipline, one that requires unlimited dedication. This is someone so dedicated to transcendent words that they pursue even the language of God’s holy ones.
This is a person who wants to know God’s word so badly that they learn Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic to get an unadulterated look at the scriptures. They may even feel an obligation to spread this knowledge to others, so they learn multiple modern languages to accomplish this.
If not done because of selfless love, if they don’t care for their enemies, and if they don’t feed and clothe the poor, they’ve wasted their time.
2. The ability to masterfully teach, understand the times, and give accurate social predictions, all with a genius-level IQ.
This is a handy person to have around! They can give targeted lessons based on where their culture is and where it’s likely to go. They have an excellent grasp of first principles, and they can give just the right message at just the right time.
This person might trust in God so completely that they place their lives wholly in his hands. They trust him to take care of them. They trust him to remove all obstacles in their path.
But they don’t like people — ουθεν ειμι. They are nobody, they are meaningless. Their faith is pointless, their intellectual powers are useless.
3. The portfolio and conscience compelling them to liquidate all of their assets and distribute them to anyone who needs anything. This is coupled with a martyr’s spirit, so after draining their earthly goods they willingly die gruesome, painful, slow deaths for God’s sake.
But they don’t like people — so they threw it all away and gained absolutely nothing in return. Still doomed.
This is difficult! We want to be like this, and we want to emulate these qualities so badly. They’re good qualities, and we can’t be good Christians without them.
But if love isn’t what drives us to do all of those things, we might as well put our time and energy into something else. Love isn’t necessarily an emotion — we don’t always feel warm and fuzzies about other people. Love is a decision to do good things for all people, to forgive automatically, to put other peoples’ needs and feelings above our own, and to view all people (including our enemies) as being more important than self. The two most important commands are about love: for God and for other people. Without those two supporting everything we do, nothing we do matters. We’ll not get it right all the time. It’s a process that we’ll probably spend the rest of our lives trying to master! God expects us to aim at growth, and his grace takes care of the gaps.
If God allows, we’ll start looking at the behavioral symptoms of a loving spirit starting next week.
I was very happy to learn about some of your children. I am happy that they are following the way of truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I tell you: We should all love each other. This is not a new command. It is the same command we had from the beginning (II Jn 4-5).
At least in my lifetime, no period has been as uncertain and tense as the current one. We have no idea what will happen in the next few months. We’re not 100% confident that society will be at peace this time next year. Hatred, as defined in the New Testament, is already rearing its ugly head and will likely only grow exponentially in the coming months.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably a believer. First and foremost, we are not citizens of any country in this world. We have to be peaceful, beneficial citizens in whichever country we live, but we’re non-resident aliens regardless. We’re visiting for one purpose: to show the world how Jesus loves.
John defines hatred and love very clearly in I John 3. Hatred (from μισει, misei) is not always defined as “harboring extreme resentment toward others”. Sometimes we catch ourselves before using the word “hate” to describe how we feel about someone, replacing it with “strongly dislike”. That’s still hatred, at least the way John uses the word. It seems to mean, in the context of I John, something like “not helping someone with their physical needs because of how we feel about them”. It means showing beneficial kindness to the brothers and sisters we like to the neglect of those we don’t.
BDAG uses Deuteronomy 21.15-16 as an example of how this word could be understood. In that passage, a man has two wives. He likes one wife more than the other one, and he has sons with both wives. The oldest son happens to be from the wife he doesn’t like as much. When it’s time to divide his assets among his children, he can’t give the rights of the firstborn to the son of the wife he likes more. Does this mean he “hates” his other wife? No — it just means he doesn’t like her as much as the other one, and he’s tempted to treat his firstborn with less favor because of it.
The first part of I John 3 is all about not sinning and not hating our fellow believers. The second part is about practicing love for each other. The last part is about belonging to the truth and living in God. Sandwiched between these concepts is the definition of love and hatred:
We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God’s love be in that person if he doesn’t bother to help the other believer? Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words.
We don’t have to feel “strong dislike” for a believer to be considered hateful. We just have to neglect them because we don’t like them. Here’s the problem with that: Everyone who hates another believer is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life (3.15).
We don’t know what the next few months will do to us. But we cannot mistreat or neglect a fellow believer because of how we feel about them. If we practice love, we have eternal life. If we practice apathy or neglect, we’ll have eternal death. What happens to us in this life is not important. We’re just waiting for Jesus to come back. If we want to leave this earth with him, we can’t let something temporal keep us from showing beneficial kindness to our fellow believers.
Godly men and women can voice their views and opinions in a healthy and helpful way by adopting some basic principles found within scripture. Even if some disagree with you (eventually they will!) everyone can leave encouraged if it’s approached appropriately.
First, they understand that the truth must be spoken in love (Ephesians 4.15). The faithful are able to tell the difference between matters of opinion and matters of salvation.
Second, they are eager to maintain a unity of spirit and a bond of peace (Ephesians 4.3-6). Godly members are not purposefully divisive or quick to start heated debates.
Third, the older Christians recognize the responsibility they have to share their wisdom with the younger generation and the godly youth respect the wisdom that is given from the older generation (Titus 2.2-12).
When the body of Christ is unified it’s also unstoppable. The church family that respects those God-given roles that we are all assigned will find that Bible classes, Biblical discussion, and relationships are enriched and strengthened. Knowledge is both shared and received in love and humility.
An enormous rodent originally from the tropical forests of South America, the capybara has recently gained popularity online. According to the BBC, these magnificent creatures can weigh as much as an adult man. Capybaras love water, so you can usually find them relaxing by bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Aside from their peculiar propensity to consume their excrement, their primary diet comprises grass. An internet sensation in 2020, a meme depicting a capybara the size of a dog won over viewers all over the globe.
Capybaras are not only large but also highly social animals. According to the Encyclopedia of Life, they live in family packs of dozens of individuals. Their sociability, however, extends beyond their species. As the amusing blog Animals Sitting on Capybaras points out, these rodents frequently serve as a resting place for other animals.
Capybaras are depicted post after post on that site as the animal kingdom’s lounge chairs, seemingly content as various creatures perch atop them. Because of their charming personalities and adorable antics, capybaras have become viral sensations online.
I even saw an incredible photo showing a capybara and a crocodile relaxing beside a river bank. I was surprised to learn this is a common sight, as crocodiles don’t usually prey on capybaras. What impressed me the most about the picture was how chill the capybara appeared while lounging only a few feet away from the crocodile’s dagger-like teeth and strong jaws.
Though it’s common for people to make jokes about having a spirit animal, it makes sense that the capybara would be a reasonable choice. It is friendly, laid-back, and fearless. Certain dietary choices aside, there is an excellent illustration we can draw from capybaras as Christians. Their observable behavior illustrates several Scriptures.
In no particular order:
Proverbs 18.24. In the New King James Version, the verse reads, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
There is disagreement about how to translate this verse, specifically whether modern English translations based on older manuscripts are more accurate in their interpretation. I am unable to translate because I am not fluent in Hebrew. However, I have access to the same resources as others and have discovered that the verse may contain a pun, which adds to the translators’ confusion. The root of “friend” is the same as the root of “ruin.” This reason is why the verse is rendered differently in newer translations. As a result, I refer to the Jewish Publication Society’s translation of the Tanakh for more information.
Upon doing so, I read: “There are companions to keep one company, and there is a friend more devoted than a brother.”
Capybaras seem to surround themselves with companions, whether fellow capybaras or other creatures. You also see obvious advantages in other social animals, such as protection from their predators (e.g., jaguars), improved foraging proficiency, and stress reduction. Like birds, some animals remove parasites from capybaras’ fur. Capybaras also make noise to alert other animals to predators.
So, having friends, especially close friends you can rely on, is positive. In Ecclesiastes 4.9–12, Solomon reminds us that two are better than one.
Romans 12.18. Paul writes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (ESV).
Capybaras are calm and docile. Thus, they do not disturb the animals around them. As herbivores, capybaras lack predatory instincts. So, other animals know they are safe around capybaras. Capybaras are also non-territorial. Hence, they will allow other animals to approach them without showing aggressive behavior to drive them away.
Although the Lord doesn’t command us to let the world walk all over us, we should still take responsibility for promoting a peaceful environment wherever we find ourselves. While it is true that there are ornery people with whom no one can live peaceably, you can ensure that you are not the one causing difficulties.
As an aside, this idea is one of the reasons I marvel at the Japanese, who, though not a Christian nation, manage to embody this Christian concept so well. This is because “wa” (harmony) is central to Japanese society and influences many aspects of daily life and interpersonal interactions. Within this framework is the concept of “omoiyari,” which we can render as empathy or consideration for others, lacking a direct English translation. Omoiyari is the sympathy and compassion for others that lead to thoughtful action. The key points are anticipating someone’s needs and providing for them in advance. To practice omoiyari, you must think in the other’s shoes and give them what they need without verbally expressing it. This awareness also leads to behaviors like refraining from talking loudly on the phone in public places and forming orderly lines when waiting for trains or buses.
It shouldn’t be surprising that capybaras are popular in Japan.
Most importantly, incorporating this “capybaric” disposition that Paul encourages gives us more opportunities to share the Gospel. No one will be interested in hearing God’s Good News if we seem cantankerous or aloof.
Philippians 4.5. Smack dab in the middle of a rich section of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near” (NASB 1995).
We’ve already said much about how chill these giant rodents are. I challenge you to look at a picture of a capybara and see if you perceive something other than the epitome of gentleness.
If you briefly consider the immediate context of Philippians 4.5, you will note that Paul addresses several key points.
Paul urges two members of the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, to reconcile their differences and work together in the Lord, emphasizing the importance of unity. (Philippians 4.2-3)
Paul encourages the Philippians to always rejoice in the Lord and not to be anxious about anything. Instead, they should pray and make their requests known to God. (Philippians 4.4-6)
After encouraging the Philippians to pray, Paul assures them that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Paul encourages believers to fix their thoughts on true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy things. (Philippians 4:8-9)
In this context, Philippians 4:5 serves as a bridge between these points. It highlights the importance of gentleness (or moderation, forbearance) in dealings with others, a quality that should be visible to all people, especially given the Lord’s return.
As part of Paul’s concluding advice, this verse instructs Christians to demonstrate their faith in their behavior, especially in their dealings with others. They should be mindful of God’s constant presence and that He will return soon.
The capybara’s amiable character is a striking parallel to the biblical teachings that emphasize the need for harmony, compassion, and tranquility. Although they have some unusual habits, these giant, peaceful rodents from South America show us how to live in peace with others, a universal quality that can serve as an example.
The capybara is an excellent example of how one should lead one’s life with calmness, empathy, and peaceful coexistence with others. This lesson can be learned from the scriptural wisdom of Solomon or Paul, as the capybara’s behavior is a testament to these virtues’ enduring power and appeal. By embracing these qualities, we can have more meaningful interactions with others and create opportunities to spread the uplifting message of the Gospel. The capybara sets an example by effortlessly endearing itself to its kind and other species.
Colossians 3.3 says, “Christ is now your life. When he comes again, you will share his glory.”
This has a follow-up: “So put everything evil out of your life: sexual sin, doing anything immoral, unhealthy desire, and wanting more things for yourself, which is the same as worshipping a false god (3.5). And, “Get these things out of your life: anger, losing your temper, doing or saying things that hurt others, and saying shameful things. Don’t lie to each other.”
These were the kinds of things we did before we were saved. God chose us to be his special people, so he expects us to show mercy to other people, to be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.
3.13 is an important verse because it refutes another harmful teaching we’ve all probably heard — “you don’t have to forgive someone unless they ask for forgiveness.” 3.13 says, “Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone wrongs you, forgive them. Forgive others because the lord forgave you.”
Not, “forgive others when they ask for forgiveness,” but, “forgive them because your master forgave you.” This is tied to three other concepts in this section — having love for each other (14), having God’s peace while living for peace (15) and being thankful (15).
If someone does something wrong to us, we should automatically forgive them. God forgives us when we mess up, even when we don’t ask for forgiveness (I Jn 1.7). We forgive each other because we love each other, just like God forgives us because he loves us.
Dane Entze and his wife were coming back from an anniversary getaway and decided to indulge in a bit of romantic nostalgia. They crossed Johns Hole Bridge in Idaho Falls, Idaho, spanning the Snake River. It was the site where they met for their first date, but on the morning of November 12 it was another sight that caught their attention. Dane’s wife noticed someone was driving their car into the river. They stopped their vehicle, and Dane crossed onto a ramp and began talking to a woman who was in the water, informing him that she was committing suicide. He told her, “I don’t know who you are, but I’m here and I love you and I’m going to help you.” As they talked, she began moving toward shore. But she got to the point where she stopped, saying she did not have the will to live. The air temperature was 19 degrees when Entze jumped into the icy water and brought the distraught woman to shore. He helped her dry off and warm up until first responders arrived. When interviewed, Entze said it was a matter of being at the right place at the right time. He drew on some military training and knowledge of the area, but he gave this advice. “Doing something kind is all it takes. You don’t have to do something dramatic or dangerous to help somebody else. Be vigilant” (Mythil Gubbi, Fox 13 News, Salt Lake City, UT).
Certainly, there is something to be said about suicide prevention. According to the CDC, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in our nation, and over a million people attempted suicide in 2020. While mental illness can play a role, most often it is driven by despair and hopelessness. Love and support can be vital to encouraging those with such tendencies to find the help they need.
But, I would like us to consider another application. You and I, in traveling down life’s road, encounter so many who are in spiritual danger. They may or may not know it, but they need to be rescued. We benefit greatly from biblical training, but it takes even more than that. It requires us to do something, to be vigilant. They need to know we’re here, we love them, and we want to help them. If there is anything more lasting and impactful than saving a life, it is helping to save a soul.
One who “turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (Jas. 5:20). God has given us the life preserver to save them (1 Cor. 1:21; Jas. 1:21). The word of the cross can save the perishing (1 Cor. 1:18), and the Bible makes it clear that God wants no one to perish (2 Pet. 3:9). He saves those drowning in sin through you and me. We need to have our eyes open. We need to appreciate how valuable and necessary that rescue work is. We need to care and be kind. It may require a sacrifice of time, effort, and energy, but nothing is more crucial than rescuing one whom Jesus died to save.
There is a story about a father building his daughter a wheelchair from the ground up after she got paralyzed in a car crash. Her father was willing to do all the research and put all the time in to building a wheelchair for his daughter who he loved so much. I don’t think I would trust my dad to make me a wheelchair, but this father demonstrates the love he has for his daughter and the lengths he would go to to keep her safe. We are told in multiple different ways how deep the Father’s love is. As the song goes, “Why should I gain from His reward I cannot give an answer.” I want to share just three points with you tonight why we gained from his reward.
The first one is that His love is so deep that He created us. Genesis 1:27 says that God created man in His image. Since we are made in God’s image, we are His special creation. In return for Him to love us so much we need to love Him and obey Him.
Then when we messed up God loved us so much that He gave His only Son for our sins (John 3:16). He was willing to do anything for us as His children. I know this is a point that is used a lot. Would you give your son? Not just your son, but your only son. Now I don’t have children but I’m sure that if I did that I would not be willing to do that. If you go on to verse 17 it says that He did it so that we might be saved. If we do what is commanded here on earth we will have an eternal home.
The third point we gained from his reward was because he loved us so much that He wanted us to have an eternal home with Him. Go back to John 3:16. It says that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Now going back to the example I gave just a moment ago. I don’t think I will ever love anyone enough to give my son. Now let’s back up for a minute and ask ourselves why do we not love each other that much? We are all God’s creation so we should love others like God tells us.
Thinking back to my childhood when my dad would get mad at me I failed to realize that he loved me enough to help me do right. God loves me enough to give me the opportunity to stand up here and give this devo. And God loves everyone of us enough to give His only Son for our foolishness. And now our job is to love Him so much to obey his laws.
For the next several weeks, I’ll be repeating the book of I Peter in present-day terminology. It’s not a true translation of the book, as I am not qualified to do so. It will be based on an exegetical study of the book and will lean heavily on the SBL and UBS Greek New Testaments, as well as comparisons with other translations (ESV, NASB, NIV, ERV, NLT). My goal is to reflect the text accurately, and to highlight the intent of the author using concepts and vocabulary in common use today.
This is not an essentially literal translation, and should be read as something of a commentary.
I Peter – Part VII
While we’re on this topic, wives must listen to their own husbands. If your husband doesn’t believe, maybe you’ll win him over with just your good example! You wouldn’t even have to say anything. Pure and respectful behavior speaks volumes. Don’t obsess over your physical appearance or fashion. Show off who you are inside! A gentle, easy-going demeanor is timeless; it’s also extremely valuable to God. Remember the women lived a long time ago? They were considered special because God was their hope, just like he’s your hope. They also expressed their beauty by deferring to their husbands. Sarah did that for Abraham – she considered him to be her leader. You are just like her when you do the right thing without being afraid of anything.
Husbands, you’re not off the hook. You share a living space with your wife, so you have to be a student of her needs and wants. Don’t treat her like one of the guys. Remember the differences between men and women. Don’t be rough with her. Make sure you show her how valuable she is! She has just as much a claim to God’s promise as you do. If you aren’t good to her, God will block your prayers.
Finally, you all need to work together. Show sympathy to each other. Be kind to each other. Don’t think too highly of yourselves. Don’t insult people who insult you. Don’t get even with people who hurt you. Do something good for them instead! That’s actually why God called us, and he wants to do good for us, too. You’ve read, “Anyone who wants to live a good life should watch their mouth. They should avoid evil and do good things. They should look for peace and chase it. God watches out for good people and listens to their prayers, but he’s against people who practice evil.”
Who’s going to hurt you if you’re obsessed with being good to people? Even if someone hurts you because of your faith, you’re ok! Don’t be afraid of their threats, don’t let it shake you up. Put Jesus in the center of your heart at all times. Have a logical answer ready whenever you’re interrogated for your faith. Tell them about your hope, but make sure you’re gentle and respectful. Make sure your moral lives are good so they can’t legitimately attack your character. If you’re doing the right thing, they’ll answer for how they treat you. It’s better to be attacked for doing the right thing than for doing the wrong thing.
Tasmanian devils are named for their chilling shrieks that can be heard when the sun goes down on the island of Tasmania. The sound of the devils crying in the night reminded the early colonists of the mythical hellhounds. Despite their terrifying calls, these creatures aren’t as much of a danger to humans as they are to themselves. Not so long ago a vicious cancer began killing these animals and the cause of the disease was a mystery. As scientists began to study them, they discovered that the cancerous tumors were self-inflicted. It’s not uncommon for the Tasmanian devils to fight and bite one another over a carcass or the rights to a female. A devil’s ears will burn a bright red color when they become upset but by lashing out at one another they further their own extinction. The bites they inflict on one another are likely to develop into the mutating cancer that will grow until they succumb to the disease itself, or starvation. You won’t see the ugly side of these animals in Looney Tunes, but there are some valuable lessons to be learned from this. At times we can be guilty of destroying one another through gossip or complaining and, sadly, the church isn’t immune to this disease. It’s no wonder that God warns us about the dangers through His New Testament authors.
Consider the following verses:
“Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.” James 5.9
“But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5.15
“We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
I Corinthians 10.9-10
While there’s much to be said about the damage that the tongue can inflict, it’s more productive to discuss solutions to the problem. Ironically, it’s a lack of productivity that often spawns gossip and complaints. As the old adage goes,
“When there’s nothing to see and do, there’s much to hear and say.”
Sadly, the darker side of closeness, history, and intimacy can be the breeding ground of gossip. The wounds inflicted and the trust that’s broken can be difficult, if not impossible, to repair. A song we teach to small children should be modeled by adults.
O be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little ears what you hear
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love
So, be careful little ears what you hear
O be careful little tongue what you say
O be careful little tongue what you say
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love
So, be careful little tongue what you say
Three Ways To Fight The Bite
Avoid being a spreader. It will build your integrity and trustworthiness.
Make it a point to speak highly of the person being slandered.
Offer biblical solutions instead of contributing to the gossip. This assumes the person spreading the gossip is genuinely concerned about the person(s) they’re talking about. Have they confronted the subject of their gossip (Matt. 18.15-20)? If they’re unwilling to act but willing to talk— avoid them.
On the last night of His life Jesus prayed the following,
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17.20-21
If unity was on the mind of the Savior even as He faced the cross, it must be important.
Unity: without it there’s pain but with it there’s unlimited power.
For the last few years, it has become vogue to refer to the current state of incivility as “the age of rage.” The British newspaper, The Guardian, featured an article in 2019 by Oliver Burkeman, entitled, “The age of rage: are we really living in angrier times?” Janie Watkins wrote the book, “The Age of Rage”: This is a mad, mad world, in 2005. While it’s written in the context of America, it points back to examples like Nebuchadnezzar, Ahab, and other Bible characters, alongside modern dictators and megalomaniacs. At least one source, Science Focus, wisely observes, “The Age Of Rage: Why Social Media Makes Us So Angry…And What You Can Do About It” (3/20). Writers in Australia, Ireland, and other countries are all observing the same disturbing trend of people who disagree being willing to amplify their indignation with intimidation and violence. Outrage has simply become rage.
Any number of current events in the last few years would serve to prove that we’ve gone that far in our society. Civilization depends on civility. More than that, Christianity, as Jesus and His disciples teach it in the New Testament, requires us to “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” as He sends us out “as sheep in the midst of wolves” (Mat. 10:16). You see, it doesn’t matter how the world acts. God expects us to assuage the rage.
The Bible identifies what qualifies as rage. The main word translated “rage” in modern translations is thumos, and it is found eighteen times in the New Testament. The NASB renders it “rage” (Luke 4:28; Acts 19:28), “indignation” (Rom. 2:8), “angry tempers” (2 Cor. 12:20), “outbursts of anger” (Gal. 5:20), “wrath” (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; etc.), and “passion” (Rev. 14:8; 18:3). This word means the “intense expression of the inner self; a state of intense displeasure” (BDAG 461). Louw-Nida says, “an intense, passionate desire of an overwhelming and possibly destructive character” (290). Kittel explains that the verb from which this noun comes originally conveyed “violent movement” and “to boil up” and “smoke” and the noun came to mean what is moved–desire, impulse, disposition, thought, and anger (TDNTA 339). Picture a person’s temperament as a potentially seething volcano. Rather than controlling it, the person allows what’s inside to freely boil over. That is rage!
With intensifying rhetoric from those in the world who threaten harm in expressing their rage, what does God call you and me to do? First, at the basic level, we are not to sin in our anger (Eph. 4:26). Second, never take your own revenge (Rom. 12:19). Third, replace quarrelsomeness with kindness, patience (even when wronged), and gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24-25). Fourth, malign no one, but be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men (Titus 3:2).
Warning: This is not how the world thinks nor what the world will do, in many cases. But in the age of rage, we have a higher law. Simply put, it is, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). It’s not a matter of what that may or may not do for our personal causes, but what will it do to advance the cause of Christ. It’s why He has us in this age, to help the world see His way. Those who follow it will experience eternal joy, the antithesis and antidote to this age of rage!
In Genesis 22, we have the story of Abraham where God instructs him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. We know from the text that God was testing Abraham and we know that God stopped him and then provided a ram to sacrifice instead. Because of God’s provision Abraham named that place THE LORD WILL PROVIDE! Three months ago, a tornado devastated many parts of Bowling Green affecting some of our own members, as well as many others in the community.
We have witnessed the outpouring of help and concern by the aid and donations made over 100 congregations and individuals – giving their money and their time to help those who have lost their homes and possessions. God has used us as the facilitators of this aid and used it as an opportunity to show His love and tell people about Him. We can honestly say THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.
I want to keep with the theme of God’s provisions but change the verb tense to THE LORD HAS PROVIDED!
THE LORD HAS PROVIDED us with a magnificent world to live in. In Genesis 1 we read that everything he made was good and He has provided everything we need to enjoy a fulfilling life. As Spring approaches (my favorite time of the year) we will see God’s handiwork as the trees begin to bud and flowers bloom and He created it all for us.
David wrote in Psalms 8 : “when I consider your heavens the work of your fingers, the moon, the stars you have set in place What is man that You are mindful of him.” He loves us and has made this world for us to enjoy.
THE LORD HAS PROVIDED each of us with talents, abilities, and opportunities to serve….and He expects us to use them to serve Him, as well as our fellow man. The Bible instructs us to use our talents and gifts to the best of our abilities as pointed out in Matt 25 in the parable of the talents and again In Romans 12: 6-8, Paul says, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy with cheerfulness.”
THE LORD HAS PROVIDED us with a peace in times of trouble. Those who do not know Him can’t really understand. With Covid and all the political turmoil in our country and the war in Ukraine we can still have the assurance of God’s love and understand HE is in control.
We read in Philippians 4:6-7 to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. His assurances are also given to us in Romans 8. Verse 31 says, “If God is for who can be against us. In verse 38 and 39 Paul encourages us with these words “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
THE LORD HAS PROVIDED us with a way to live with Him for eternity through Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
He has provided reconciliation through Jesus – He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach (Col. 1:22).
He has provided redemption through Jesus – In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7).
God has provided many things for us, but most of all is the way to live with Him forever. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”
If you are searching for peace and a way to be with God for eternity, He has provided a way.
Henry Adams wrote, “One friend in a lifetime is much, two are many, and three are hardly possible.” While I do not share his pessimism or cynicism, I do believe that true, close friends are certainly not prevalent. There are too many factors at play. Friendships take time, trust, and transparency. Some things can be barriers to developing close companionship from contrasting values to clashing viewpoints.
The Bible gives insight into factors essential to building true, lasting friendships. Since God made man, He knows what makes us tick and operate at our optimism levels. Here are four quick principles:
A Friend Loves At All Times (Proverbs 17:17).
Solomon does not suggest blind loyalty or blanket endorsement. Scripture does not encourage fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph. 5:11), but it also points out that we all struggle with sin problems (Rom. 3:23). We also are prone to weak moments and we go through trials and reverses of fortune. It is a blessing to know we have people we can count on to be there even when we’re not at our best or enjoying our mountaintop moments (Heb. 12:12-13; Rom. 12:15).
For The Despairing Man, There Should Be Kindness From His Friend (Job 6:14).
For every one we exchange superficial greetings with, even as we are carrying our hidden cares, we need true friends to turn to for help when we face deep needs in our hours of trial. Rare is the friend who knows, sympathizes, and is ready to help with a kind word or deed. You can imagine how Job’s friends added to his despair by failing to offer that when he needed it most. So many things bring despair–job loss, family crisis, financial reverse, health issues, and other life changes. It is then that astute acts of kindness make a lasting impact and forge true friendships.
If They Fall, One Will Lift Up His Fellow (Ecc. 4:10).
Solomon does not specify whether the falling is physical, emotional, or spiritual. No matter what makes us fall, it is the trustworthy response of a friend that he focuses on. How tragic not to have someone in our lives with a ready hand when we are sinking! What if we are falling away from God (Jas. 5:19-20)? What if we are losing faith or overwhelmed (Mat. 14:30)? “The Lord sustains all who fall” (Ps. 145:14), and what a blessing when He does so through a faithful friend!
Faithful Are The Wounds Of A Friend (Prov. 27:6).
We need people in our lives who are more than “yes” men and women. True friends care enough to correct if we are going off course. We need those who don’t just rubber stamp our speech, validate our every action, or automatically take our side. None of that helps us refine our character or makes us fit for the Master’s use. It’s not easy to tell someone we like and care about that they’ve fallen short in some way, but having a friend that deep and genuine is a true blessing in life.
These passages challenge me to ask, “What kind of friend am I to others?” Am I deeper than a fellow sport’s fan, a person with common interests, or even a co-member of the church? Can I be counted on to be there in the valleys as well as the mountaintop days? Can I be trusted with kindness on despairing days? Am I a lifter? Do I have the courage even to say the difficult things in difficult moments? I want to be that kind of friend to my friends!
Some of our dearest friends, whom we were blessed to see this past weekend.
Research shows that the average person speaks at least 7,000 words a day, while many (you know who you are) speak much more than that. Think about what that means. 7000 words that will leave an imprint on those who hear. That’s an incredible opportunity that we are given…or maybe it’s a bad thing?
How do we use our words? As Christians those 7000 words should help us fulfill the command given to “make disciples” (Mt. 28:18-20). That begs the question, what should those 7000 words contain? Even more, what am I saying with those words?
We have the responsibility to share the good news with others, so what are my words doing to help accomplish this goal? Colossians 4:6 tells us what our daily speech should consist of. But first, notice the context. Colossians 4:5 says, “walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time.”
We have been called to make the best use of the time. Ephesians 5:15-16 reads, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” How do we do this? Colossians 4:6 tells us it’s by talking the right way. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
If we want to walk with wisdom and be effective towards those in the world, we must use the proper words. As Christians, our speech should be attractive. “Let you speech always be gracious.” Gracious is defined as, “A winning quality or attractiveness that invites a favorable reaction.” What does it mean to look attractive? We use this word to describe someone or something that has favorable qualities that we enjoy. Applying that to our speech, it must ALWAYS be described this way. There should never a moment where we stop.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “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.” We want people to leave conversations feeling better than when they first saw us. We want people to see Jesus in our speech.
We must always try our best to use attractive words. Always look for ways to encourage and help others with our speech. This means on the internet or in person. Our words are attractive when they are sincere and honest. We are called to have attractive speech, and the words we use must be genuine and real. Not saying them to sound holy or to look good, but out of love and concern for the souls of those who hear.
Got to see these two Huntsville area preachers and their lovely wives Wednesday night.
If a person is described as being meek, we often picture a kind but timid, submissive, hand-wringing, non-confrontational, or powerless individual. Our idea of meekness doesn’t really work well with the biblical idea. Here are a few ways πραΰς (prah-oos) is used.
Not thinking too highly of self (Matthew 5.5; II Timothy 2.25; James 1.21) is one way to understand meekness. It doesn’t mean we undervalue or demean ourselves, but it does mean we keep our egos in check. In James 1.21, meekness means we have the good sense not to fight what God says and allow his Word to be part of us.
Meekness is also used to describe Jesus (Matthew 11.29; II Corinthians 10.1). If meekness is the absence of power, we have a problem. In contrast to a Pharisaical attitude, Jesus is gentle (πραΰς). Instead of summoning an angelic army to punish those who were about to kill him, Jesus allowed everything to happen (II Cor. 10.1).
Meekness is an attitude we must have when we face the unpleasant task of correcting a member. In Galatians 6.1, correcting is described as “fixing/mending” and must be done with a gentle disposition.
The word is used in several other passages, but we should understand it to mean “gentle” or “humble” or “lenient” (context is important). Meekness is when we value others above ourselves. A meek person is not necessarily a powerless person, but is one who doesn’t misuse the power they have.
David spoke of his tongue as a pen (Ps. 45:1) and his enemies’ tongues as sharp swords (Ps. 57:4). We learn that God hates a tongue which forms lies (Prov. 6:17). Isaiah prophesied a future time so happy that it would case “the tongue of the dumb [to] sing” (Isa. 35:6). The ungodly tongue is described by Jeremiah as a “deadly arrow” (Jer. 9:8). James calls the unruly tongue a “fire” (Js. 3:6).
The tongue is unique among the body’s members. It has so many uses. With taste buds, it judges the palatability of the food we consume. With sensitive nerves, it screens the temperatures of the food and drink which enter the mouth. William McPherson, who lost his sense of sight, hearing, and all four limbs in a mining explosion, used his tongue to read the Bible in Braille. Coordinating with brain and various, undergirding muscles, the tongue is that powerful tool of communication responsible for speech and song. Like so much of what God created, it is a neutral invention. According to how it is used, the tongue is either a blessing or curse upon families, communities, and nations. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.” How can we identify a tongue positively used?
A POSITIVE TONGUE WILL NOT BACKBITE. Those who wield their tongues positively will say something nice, or at least say nothing at all, about an occupant on the “rumor mill.” in fact, we should use our tongues to stop the backbiting of others (Prov. 25:23). A Welsh proverb goes, “Lord, remind us often that a gossip’s mouth is the devil’s mailbag.” Remember, there’s only one thing more difficult than unscrambling an egg and that’s unspreading a rumor. We wish only the best for others. We don’t want to contribute to another’s harm or embarrassment by saying or repeating something evil about them behind their back (Ps. 15:1; Rom. 1:30; 2 Cor. 12:20).
A POSITIVE TONGUE WILL SPEAK GOD’S WORD. On multiple occasions, the psalmist pledged to use his tongue this way (71:24; 119:172). When opportunities with our neighbors and friends clearly present themselves, how can we refrain our tongues from speaking Bible truth and divine expectations? When the Bible is disparaged in our presence, how can we hold back our tongues from defending words more precious than gold? God’s Word contain “glad tidings” (Acts 13:32; Lk. 8:1; Rom. 10:15).
A POSITIVE TONGUE WILL SPEAK WHOLESOME WORDS. The Bible praises those who use wholesome words (Prov. 15:4; 1 Tim. 6:5). Profanity, vulgar stories, suggestive language and sexual innuendos do not drop off of a positive, wholesome tongue. Instead, we speak words that improve and sustain our good character.
A POSITIVE TONGUE WILL BE BRIDLED. That’s how you know who is religious (Js. 1:26). A hot head and a positive tongue don’t rest in the same skull. A blessing tongue and a cursing tongue do not lead to the same end (1 Pet. 3:10-11). A hypocritical tongue and a sincere tongue cannot belong to the same individual (1 Jn. 3:18). Self-control includes tongue-control.
Someone has written, “To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue.” It may only be about three inches long, but it can be trained not to do miles of damage. It can be positively controlled. A bridle for the tongue is a necessary tool which, when used, will cause one to be a shining light in the house of God.
The FIBA basketball glossary defines an assist as a pass to a teammate that directly leads to a score by a field goal (a basket scored on any shot). When I was in High School and college, Duke University had a guard named Bobby Hurley who would break the all-time NCAA record for assists with 1076 in 140 games (sports-reference.com). That means an average of almost eight times per game, he gave up the ball to a teammate whose three-point shots, slam dunks, or other baskets made the crowds stand up and cheer. While knowledgeable enthusiasts of the game appreciate the importance of the “assist man,” the average fan may miss the vital contribution of the one making that assist. But the very concept suggests unselfishness and one with a team mentality. For them, satisfaction and enjoyment comes in a well-timed, well-placed contribution that allows others to get recognition and praise.
Scripture places a great premium on the person who assists others. Our first thought may be financially. Paul tells the Ephesian elders that he had taken care of his own financial needs (and of those with him) while doing missionary work, recalling words of Jesus not recorded in the gospels that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). In the matter of “giving and receiving” (Phil. 4:15), Paul encouraged a mindset that applied to more than just monetary things. It was not a mind which sought “after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus” (2:21). It was a “humility of mind” that could “regard one another as more important than” themselves, that could “look out” not merely for their “own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:3-4). It is the Christ-like heart that chooses to “please his neighbor for his good, to his edification” (Rom. 15:1-3); cf. 1 Cor. 10:24,33). Oh, to say with Paul, “So then we pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another” (Rom. 14:19).
Would you like to be the assist-leader in your home, in your congregation, and in your community? Look for ways to put others in the spotlight for their efforts and kindness. That may mean reorienting how you see life, looking to give glory and not needing to have it. What a righteous revolution would occur when our focus would be on how to make others look good, helping others to be appreciated and recognized, and setting others up for praise and admiration. It will in no way hinder us from receiving the highest accolade of all, given by the most important witness–the One who sees all with perfect perspective (Ecc. 12:14). A “well done” from Him has eternal implications (Mat. 25:21,23). What more do we need than that?!
It was a dream, but it seemed so real to me Hiking up a steep and rocky trail Treacherous and hard, as far as eyes could see So difficult, it seemed I’d fall and fail
But by my side, two men I knew so well, My mother’s dad and one of my own elders Their presence meant more than my lips could tell Somehow I knew I’d make it with such helpers
We came upon a woman weathered by many years Riddled by aches and pains and total blindness Who told us a way to conquer foes and fears Two words she kept repeating: “Kindness, kindness.”
It breaks the boulders of other travelers’ loads And sweeps away all that trips and grabs You give it freely as you climb such roads And find it softens cruelest persecutors’ jabs.
We took her by the arm as we kept going, Higher up this highway to our goal, We sang a hymn and smiled with headwinds blowing This cheered each heart and strengthened every soul.
It seemed no time the rocky stretch was traversed The winds were calm, blue skies displayed God’s fineness How did we keep the pace? No one reversed! I knew full well, ’twas “kindness, kindness.”
Kindness given, kindness received, I know it! Costs nothing to give, ’tis treasure to receive. You’ll get much back if you’ll take the time to show it. ‘Twill give men faith and help them to believe.
Suddenly, my companions disappeared from view, Awake, I pondered over such simple wiseness. How can I ease your way to help and bless you? I’ll show you nothing less than kindness, kindness!
I couldn’t help but notice all the different reactions from people when the president got sick last week. I found myself reading several media outlets that released articles saying they were hoping he would die. They went on to say that he was old and obese and the chances were pretty high that he wouldn’t recover. Other articles criticized his choices, and some were cheering him on. And this was the case on both sides of the fence. Some were hoping that the president would die, and others were hoping that the other one running for election would contract COVID and die as well.
While we should never wish death upon someone (no matter our political views), it stuck out to me what these people were doing. They were cheering and getting excited at the thought of someone dying. This isn’t the first time this has happened. Mankind as a whole has a tendency to let hate take over and control their lives. No matter the situation, the time period, or the culture, we always tend to get consumed with hatred. So much so that we find ourselves cheering and getting excited at the thought of someone we don’t like dying.
This hatred is out of control. This is the very reason a crowd cheered on as the Son of God was tried and sentenced to death. This hatred is the very reason this crowd grew excited at the thought of killing the Messiah.
No matter what our views are we all have one thing in common. We are the reason Christ was crucified. Our sin problem is the reason nails were driven into His body. And even after God sent His Son for a sinful world, we are going right back to what hung Jesus on the cross in the first place. Hatred.
It can seem in some places like the church is splitting apart. Congregations are fighting and bickering. Hatred flows in the comment section on social media. What kind of example is that for those in the world? What encouragement does that bring to God’s family?
Every part of our lives should be totally consumed by the greatest commandments. “Love the Lord your God…” and “love your neighbor” (Matt. 22:36-40). If we would listen to these two commands, our opinions would come second to love. And hatred for one another would be a problem of the past.
Not to sound like a hippie, but love cures everything. Love God, love people and love His Church. John 13:34-35.
The folks at Merriam-Webster define “common courtesy” as “politeness that people can usually be expected to show.” 1 One notes that courtesy doesn’t seem as ordinary as it once was, at least in the West. In the more collectivist societies of the East, people prize social harmony more than individualism. When you have millions of people packed into a metropolis, I suppose such a mindset is essential for survival. However, it translates into an attitude that suggests that I take great care not to upset or inconvenience the people around me.
I got to thinking about common courtesy as I was driving along a stretch of U.S. 129/U.S. 19 in the northeast Georgia mountains. Since slower traffic is expected, especially during tourist season, planners provided periodic passing lanes to allow for those conducting everyday business to pass the leaf-gawkers. For the spaces in between, these planners likewise added pull-offs for slower vehicles to pull off and let the faster traffic get by. Most of the time, this traffic arrangement works out nicely. However, you do encounter the occasional driver who lacks the aforementioned common courtesy, as I did when recently getting stuck behind a truck pulling a horse trailer hauling several horses.
As Christians, we are to extend courtesy as a matter of faith. Paul tells us that we are to esteem others before self and be as mindful of them as ourselves (Philippians 2.3-4). As lovely as that is when taking an earthly journey, we see how the mindset also benefits the heavenly journey. No, I am not saying that the act of utilizing a pull-off will win a lost soul to Christ. What I am suggesting, though, is that people take notice of how we conduct ourselves. As Edgar Guest famously stated, people desire sermons they can see. Since a courteous person is already mindful of others, it is but an extra step for him or her to adopt a servant’s heart. Note that following his admonition to esteem others first, Paul transitions to telling us about needing the servant-mind of Christ (Philippians 2.5-8).
With whom are you more likely to strike up a conversation? A rude person or a courteous one? Through the extension of common courtesy, you make yourself more amiable to others. And since common courtesy is no longer so common, you stand a better chance of making yourself stand out in a crowd. So, go the extra mile (cf. Matthew 5.38-42). Develop habits contributing to becoming more courteous and foster the heart of a servant within you.
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