With Christ In Pursuit Of Kindness

"Today's Devotion" For March 17, 2006

Read: I Peter 3:8-15a; Psalm 34

WITH CHRIST IN PURSUIT OF KINDNESS

"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5:15-17)

How do you react if someone questions your heartfelt opinion on an issue? When someone challenges your work or questions your loyalty what's your response? No doubt there are myriad answers to this and certainly we'd all like to say we're understanding, gracious, and kind. More than likely, however, it's probably not a stretch to say that, in general, most of us are all too apt to respond negatively, vigorously, and with a certain amount of venom in their words and actions. Such reactions are all too common when people feel threatened, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. Some would say such responses are a part of our "survival instincts."

Lashing out at others in response to their "attacks" on us or disagreements with us, even on the issues we're most passionate about, never solves the problem, though, does it? Usually, those to whom we respond negatively will generally respond negatively as well. They may harangue, insult, berate, or become condescending - not too unlike how we also might respond to them. The end result is an escalation of emotions but not a whole lot of positive result. People end up far apart and filled with either derision or animosity toward the other, or both. That this is indicative of our sinful nature and our separation from God we shouldn't doubt. But, there is a solution.

By faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior from Sin, we have confidence and peace that God has declared us to be His own dear children. He forgives us of all our sins and assures us that, in Jesus, we will be with Him in heaven. As forgiven sinners and children of our heavenly Father, God empowers us by His Word and Spirit to rise above the fray and respond with kindness, love, forgiveness, and peace to those who would challenge us, berate us, or put us down for our opinions, ideas, values, or principles. While we are always open to "constructive criticism," we can also survice "destructive criticism" with peace and joy.

As Paul notes in his words to the Thessalonian Christians, it's important that we practice such behavior among ourselves first. Being kind to one another in the household of faith is a critical step in being kind to others who don't as yet know God's forgiveness and love in Jesus. All too often the world sees God's children fighting with each other, denigrating one another, and acting spitefully toward brothers and sisters in Christ just because we don't always agree on everything. How can other trust what we say if they see us saying and doing things contrary to what we believe.

So today is a good day to heed Paul's advice and forget about "getting even" with those who wrong us; instead we'll seek to treat them with the same kindness with which we'd want to be treated (I Thess. 5:15). It's also a good day to live in the joy that God gives us in Christ, knowing that no one can separate us from His love and forgiveness in Jesus. Today is a good day to continue to pray for one another, our leadeers, our cities, counties, states, nation, and the world that God would shower His blessings upon people everywhere. And, as we offer those prayers of love and concern for others, we ask the Spirit of God to give us thankful hearts ready to do God's Will in all things, to seek His wisdom, and touch the lives of others with His love in Jesus (vv.16, 17).

Prayer: Father, You have been gracious and kind to me, for You sent Jesus to suffer and die for my sins so that I might know Your forgiveness and love for me. Fill me with Your love, joy, and peace, and help me to be a loving, living witness to others of Your grace, mercy, and love in Jesus. When others attack what I believe or even me personally because they don't agree with me, help me to listen kindly to their opinions and treat them with respect. I especially ask that You would give me a kind heart, filled with Your peace, so that even if a brother or sister in Christ were to seek to harm me, I would be patient and willing to work to restore a loving relationship with that person. Let my life as Your forgiven child in Jesus be a reflection of Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to me and all the world, so that others might be introduced to Jesus through me and receive Your forgiveness and peace. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
***************

--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.