Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Is kindness out of fashion? It might be, you certainly have to look hard to find any in the headlines. But it is an attribute of God, and as long as God’s children are on Earth, you should expect to find kindness where you find faith. The apostle Paul makes an interesting analogy with kindness as part of a custom-made wardrobe worn by those taking off their old life to put on a new life in Christ.
Do you get rid of ill-fitting, worn-out, ragged clothes? Similarly, you are exhorted to do the same with the parts of your old life that are based on sin and self-serving: “put off what is earthly in you; sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). However, you are not to be unclothed, those old rags are to be replaced by the clothing of Christ: “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).
Your life is easier when you have dressed appropriately, like raingear for spring showers or Bermuda shorts for the summer heat. In like manner, a life of inner peace is possible by putting on the Creator’s raiment, allowing the Spirit of Christ to dress you from the inside out, “forgive each other, as the LORD has forgiven you… and put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:13-14).
Kindness is never out of fashion! It reflects the character of God.
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