Pastor’s Pen Sept 12

Be Kind:   Now before you roll your eyes at me for taking off Jacinda, did you know that “kindness” is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in you? Galatians 5:22-23 says:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is …….kindness …….. Against such things there is no law.”

During this Lockdown it’s important to “be kind” to ourselves. We are not “working from home,” we are “at home trying to work.” Many of us have pretty dire “offices” at home. Mine is at the kitchen table with hopelessly bad chairs gifting a sore back if you sit there too long. Those of us who have family at home may find it difficult to concentrate with well-meaning family vying for our attention. Therefore, be kind to yourself. Do what you can, and that is enough.

Let’s also make every effort to be kind to those in our bubble. For those of us in a bubble of one, if we get irritable it only affects us, but if you’re in a wider bubble you will need to make an extra effort to be kind to those around you. Nobody enjoys being in lockdown and many tempers are starting to fray, so if you’re feeling the urge to let off steam at someone, walk away and go get some exercise instead.

In speaking of living as children of light, the Apostle Paul suggests in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Let’s not get angry with or slander each other. We are all living in trying times.

1 Th 5:15 says, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” In Lockdown conditions we may find ourselves grumping at others for very little reason, so be willing to both seek forgiveness and to forgive. 1 Co 13:4 says that “love is kind.” Christ is kind, and we live in Him, so we should also witness His loving kindness.

So, see! Kindness isn’t just a Jacinda saying. It comes straight from God 😉