Dear Moms and Dads,
Our world is getting increasingly unkind. The latest Twitter storm and Social media controversy stirred by John MacArthur regarding Beth Moore grieves my heart. Even Christians, our brothers and sisters in Christ, can be unkind to a fellow believer. Why would we divide our house like that?
In our schools, we are upset about bullying yet what do we model to our children? Are we able to be kind to those who think, act, believe or vote differently than we do? Are we able to avoid being condescending and sarcastic? When driving do we give the other driver grace and avoid calling another human created in God’s image a name?
Being kind doesn’t mean giving up convictions, it is showing love and respect even when we are different.
God calls us to be his light in the darkness. No matter our beliefs or our political leanings, we can all be kind even when we don’t agree. Our world, our roadways, our social media are places where kindness and compassion could use a big ol’ spiritual boost. Kindness is one way to break through the darkness of this world. Before we can expect to be treated with kindness we need to show it.
Our hearts are the place to begin. Our homes are the place to live it out. That’s how we change the world. One heart, one family at a time. Love is kind.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is kind.”
1 Corinthians 13:4b
Father,
You are kind. Teach me to show love through kindness to my spouse, children, neighbors, and those who You place in my path each day. Give me Your love for them so I can love even when it’s hard. Prompt me to speak gentle words. Give me strength to make the difficult decisions. Put a guard over my mouth so sarcastic comments and harsh words don’t seep out. Change my heart so I desire to be kind and compassionate.
Amen
Wildenberg & Danielson, Raising Big Kids with Big Love ( Friendsville: Bold Vision Books, 2014), 63.
I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight.
Jeremiah 9:24c-d
© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.
