We are suffering from an epidemic of meanness in our culture today. Even Christians seem to have forgotten how to be kind, especially when they disagree with someone. The way we can turn this around, according to bestselling author Dr. Tony Evans, starts with remembering how kind God has been to us, and then, in response, become an ambassador of kindness in our culture.The Urban Alternative (Tony Evans)
Day 1
Scriptures: Romans 2:4, Psalms 117:2
We’re living in a time when it’s only about me. What I think. How I feel. What I want.
And if I have to harm you with my words or my actions in order to get what I want, well too bad. We see this attitude on display in the news every day. This kind of evil has penetrated our culture, but it should not be this way with God’s people, for it is not a reflection of God’s heart.
The Bible tells in Romans 2:4 that “the kindness of God leads you to repentance.” In other words, God holds back from giving us the kind of response we all deserve. We treat Him with disrespect and ignore His commands, but He doesn’t give up on us every time we fail. The reason? It’s because of His kindness.
So, since we are the recipients of such kindness, God expects us to be ambassadors of kindness here on the earth. He doesn’t just want you to be nice; He wants you to be kind. Kindness is more than a personality trait. It’s an action. Kindness shows itself in the way you treat others.
How has God shown kindness to you?
Day 2
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Matthew 5:16
Our culture has become contaminated and saturated with hatred, racism, meanness, and a host of other expressions of contempt. Everywhere you look, people are acting in rude and uncaring ways. And like a bad virus, it’s spreading through our society.
What we need is a revolution of kindness. It’s time for kingdom people like you and me to start spreading good things, including kindness. I’ve launched a national initiative called “Kindness in the Culture” to challenge believers to reclaim the attitude of civility that’s necessary for a peaceful and friendly environment in our homes, our workplaces, and our society.
It’s time for us all to get involved in making a difference in our conversations, whether they be in our living rooms or on social media, or in the public sphere. Those of us who love God should be the first to sign on to a movement for change that begins by simply practicing an act of kindness for a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger.
When have you found yourself being unkind? How did it make you feel?
Day 3
Scriptures: Ephesians 4:29-32, Galatians 5:13
Every day, in everything we do, you and I are representatives of Christ and His kingdom. But what are people seeing when they are around us? Do we act selfishly? Do we get angry in response to things we don’t like? Do we sow discord among those around us?
Or do we illustrate God’s kindness by being kind?
You and I can become ambassadors of kindness, offering a kind and respectful response to everyone we meet. Because kindness is contagious, we can affect others by the way we speak to them and the way we treat them. Let’s not be afraid to commit some “random acts of kindness.” They make a difference.
So let’s take up the cause of spreading kindness rather than sowing discord. Let’s take an honest look at the way we are communicating with others and make the changes we need to make. Let’s surprise someone today with an act of kindness. Let’s spread something good!
What specific thing can you do to show kindness to someone today?