“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
The most important reason to be kind to others is to follow the commandments of Christ. We know that everything God tells us to do is for our own benefit. Following God’s way will bring us success and joy in the long run.
What are some reasons we may not be kind?
Part I discussed that ego can cause us to not be kind.
This Part II will discuss another reason we may be unkind to others – self-righteousness.
We may think that we have done very good in the sight of God, and that others have done very bad, or less good than us, that we have a right to be unkind to them, to put them in their place with unkind words or actions, so they will acknowledge our righteous, and be more like us.
Many, especially Christians, including pastors and church leaders, like to think they are more righteous than others. The Bible teaches us that our righteousness is not in ourselves, but in Jesus Christ.
“They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Psalms 14:3)
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 4:21)
God has been kind to you even in your unrighteousness, so be kind to others even in their unrighteousness.
Being unkind can do great damage. To you. To your family. To your friends. To co-workers. To others around you.
Practicing kindness is a discipline we can all exercise. The more you practice something, the better you get at it. You will be greatly rewarded.
God has been kind to you. You can show your love to God by being kind to others.