Be Kind to One Another

Ephesians 4:30-32

Verse 32  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

    Today we reach the last of our ‘One Anothers’.  We have looked at Love One Another, Serve One Another, Pray for One Another, and Acceptance of One Another.  Today we will discuss Be Kind to One Another.  One another friends are kind no matter what!  They may have a whole bunch of craziness going on in their own life, but they will drop everything to be there for us when we need them.

    Kindness seems like such an easy thing and yet it seems to be lacking in so many areas of our society.  This is one way that abiding friends can be a beacon of Christ in an ever darkening world.  Kindness doesn’t always take great effort or resources and therefore makes it something that anyone can share.

    While kindness is something that we can share readily with strangers for the benefit of our study we are going to focus on the kindness we share with our fellow believers.  To be honest, sometimes these are the hardest people to show kindness to.  And maybe that is one reason we don’t shine brighter in our world.

    Kindness is revealed in actions and words.  Sometimes it is as simple as holding a door for someone or picking up something that they have dropped or even helping them carry something.  But what about the times that it is more than that?  How about when someone needs something that requires a bit more forethought?  Part of kindness is being aware of another’s needs and figuring out how best to care for them.

    Being intentionally kind is not as difficult as it may seem.  If we are keeping our eyes open, opportunities will present themselves.  The key is acting when we see the opportunity.  We also need to remember that being kind is not something we do, without the heart of love behind it, kindness just comes across as a deed done.  One Another kindness is more, it is showing someone that they mean something to us.  Isn’t that what Jesus did to those He loved?

Making It Personal

    What is a kindness that someone has shown you?  Have you ever shown someone a kindness?  Who can you share kindness with today?

Making It Personal Kids

    What is a kindness that someone has shown to you?  Have you ever shown someone kindness?  Who can you be kind to today?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for the kindnesses that You constantly share with us.  Father, please show us those who need our kindness so that we don’t miss a time of loving like You do.  In Jesus’ name, amen.