We don’t have to participate in the atmosphere of vitriol that pervades our culture. God has called us to a better way. We are to demonstrate His kindness through the way we treat others and what we say to them. As bestselling author, Dr. Tony Evans, explores in these devotions, we can make a difference by practicing intentional kindness in the midst of all the darkness in our culture.
The Urban Alternative (Tony Evans)
Day 1
Scriptures: Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:32
COVID isn’t the only deadly virus we are contending with today. We are also having to contend with a pandemic of meanness, which is creating an atmosphere of vitriol, hatred, dishonor, and disrespect. The scary thing is that we’re starting to get used to it—to take it for granted.
Atmosphere matters. If you go into a restaurant and it doesn’t smell good inside, it really won’t matter how well the food was prepared. If the smell is bad, it permeates and contaminates even the best meal. Today, the atmosphere in our culture has picked up a nasty smell. Everyone is being impolite and uncaring. They get on the internet and say things that they might never say in person. They belittle and cancel and blame others for what annoys them. And in this toxic environment, our culture is becoming more mean-spirited and more impatient.
As God’s people, we need to set a new atmosphere for our culture.
What are the dangers of responding too quickly to things we don’t like?
Day 2
Scriptures: Galatians 6:9-10, Matthew 7:12
Kindness is probably one of those things your mom taught you. It’s one of those important lessons that we should never outgrow. It’s a basic way of communicating and getting along with others. Kindness creates a different atmosphere, a different way of talking, walking, and acting.
But we’ll never really learn how to be kind until we start putting the needs of others ahead of our own. This is the attitude that Philippians 2:3 talks about: “Do nothing from selfish and empty conceit but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourselves.” That’s where kindness starts.
We can’t really learn to be kind unless we start thinking about how our words and actions are affecting others. Will our words foster peace and bring love and grace? Or are our words meant to exalt ourselves above others?
What atmosphere have you been creating through your words and actions?
Day 3
Scriptures: 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:16
Your good words should follow up with good works. The things we do and the things we say demonstrate kindness in a mean culture.
We should let a world permeated with meanness see our good works. It’s a good work when we help someone in God’s name. If you did something nice just because you’re a nice person, well that’s fine. But a good work is more than that. You need to attach God to the good work you do because good work seeks to do three things:
First, it seeks to bring people into the kingdom because you want to see them saved. It’s your primary motivation.
Second, it seeks to help people become more useful for the kingdom. In other words, it creates disciples.
And third, it brings people the benefits of the kingdom in the here and now. It helps them to bring a kingdom perspective into everything they do.
So, let’s do good works by bringing more kindness into our culture.
What good work is God calling you to perform today?