Our world is full of unkindness. It’s not just unkind actions that people do against each other, it’s also the cutting words we use when we want to make somebody hurt. To gain the upper hand in a situation, when we disagree with someone we know well, we often strike them in their “Achilles heel.” We know their weak link …. the gap in their armour of self protection. Simon Bridges recently said of our Prime Minister, “New Zealanders have seen that Labour and Jacinda Adern can’t deliver.” On the attack, the Labour government launched back, saying that “Negativity won’t thrive; it looks petty and puts voters off.” Unkind words are shot across the net between rival political parties worldwide. Why? Because unkind words are powerful. Nasty, critical words can cut deeper than actions.
Christ calls us to act with kindness towards others -“Love your neighbour as yourself,” is part 2 of the Greatest Commandment. The first part says to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Luke 10:27). When we do that earnestly our mouths will be silent to uttering unkind words.
The apostle Paul said “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” Ephesians 4:29.
Let’s therefore be kind to people, in both our actions and our words.
About Pastor Julie
I’m passionate about the church – building believers up in their faith, to be all God intended them to be; and I’m passionate about sharing the love and hope of Jesus with people who don’t know Him yet.