Be Kind and Compassionate

08/28/2025

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

In today’s world, people often value being right more than being kind, they feel as if they win something for being right no matter the cost. But to the big “C” church, Paul’s words to the Ephesians stand out as a gentle yet powerful reminder. Kindness and compassion are not optional for believers; they are evidence of a heart transformed by Christ. Forgiveness, the highest form of kindness, reflects the very character of God who forgave us through Jesus.

Think of a time when someone wronged you, maybe they spoke harshly, broke your trust, or let you down. Everything inside of you may have wanted justice or payback. Yet, when you chose forgiveness, even if it was hard, you experienced freedom. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the hurt, but it releases the hold bitterness has on your soul.

Imagine two neighbors. One chooses to hold on to anger after a fence dispute, allowing resentment to grow. The other chooses to extend kindness, even planting flowers along the fence line as a peace offering. Over time, the simple act of kindness melts the walls of bitterness and creates a friendship. That’s the picture Paul paints here, compassion and forgiveness disarming hostility and opening doors for love to win.

God’s kindness toward us in Christ is the model. We didn’t deserve His mercy, yet He lavished it on us. When we choose to forgive, we echo the heartbeat of the cross, proclaiming with our lives that grace is stronger than anger.

Action steps to help on your journey:

Take a moment today to reflect on someone who may need your forgiveness. Pray for strength to release them.

Look for one small, tangible way to show kindness today, a smile, a helping hand, or an encouraging word.

Write down how God has forgiven you in specific ways and thank Him for His grace.

Today’s Challenge:
Choose one person to intentionally show kindness or compassion to, even if they may not “deserve” it.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the forgiveness You gave me through Jesus. Help me to reflect Your heart by being kind, compassionate, and willing to forgive others. Give me the strength to let go of bitterness and the courage to love as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Jeff

#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign

No Comments


Recent

Archive

 2025

Categories

Tags